A History of American Literature Since 1870

"A History of American Literature Since 1870" by Fred Lewis Pattee is a scholarly analysis written in the early 20th century. This historical account focuses on the evolution and characteristics of American literature following the Civil War, categorizing the literary output into periods marked by significant cultural shifts. The book likely examines various authors and movements, emphasizing the growth of a national literature that reflects the American spirit and identity post-war. The opening of the text establishes a framework for understanding how the Civil War served as a pivotal turning point in American literature. It discusses the profound impacts of the war on societal structures, shifting from a provincial to a more unified national outlook. The author outlines the emergence of new literary figures and movements that arose in the wake of these changes, such as the rise of realism and the reflections of America’s varied landscapes and cultures in its literature. Pattee aims to illustrate how American writers began to cultivate their voices, drawing inspiration from their own experiences and surroundings rather than relying predominantly on European influences.