Summary

Early American Literature: 1776–1820 examines American literature during the first years of the new nation. This new resource offers insightful strategies for studying and writing about early American literature, providing background information, productive areas of research, writing topics, and the best secondary sources for further study.

Topics covered include:

• Adventure and travel in fiction and nonfiction
• The Declaration of Independence
• Essays, magazines, and nation-building
• Ben Franklin's Autobiography
• The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano
• Washington Irving's "Rip Van Winkle"
• Letters as literature
• Poetry and social class
• Sentimental novels
• and more.

Specifications

Index. Bibliography. Glossary.

About the Author(s)

Angela Vietto is associate professor of English at Eastern Illinois University. She is author of Women and Authorship in Revolutionary America and associate editor of Early American Writings.