Annals of American Literature, 1602-1983 - Hardcover

This unique reference work is designed to give the reader, at a glance, the main literary output in America for any year, from colonial times to the present, to show what books people of the time were likely to be reading, and with what rivals a candidate for literary fame would have to contend. Annals of American Literature concentrates on the fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry of major American authors, and includes as well the most influential works of other writers. Its entries, organized by the publication date, include the author's name, date of birth, the work's complete title, and a classification by genre. The text is further enhanced by side-columns which list historical events occurring at the same time, the founding of newspapers and periodicals, the births and deaths of important American and foreign authors, and the publication dates of influential foreign literature. The index provides a conspectus of the literary careers of the major authors, and selected titles of minor ones. The book will be invaluable to students and scholars of American literature and culture, and is a treasure-trove of information for the general reader.