Contemporary American Literature: Bibliographies and Study Outlines

"Contemporary American Literature" by John Matthews Manly and Edith Rickert is a scholarly guide written in the early 20th century. This work serves as a companion volume to "Contemporary British Literature," focusing on the landscape of American literature post-World War I. The book aims to provide bibliographies and study outlines that would assist readers and students in navigating the vast expanse of contemporary American literary figures, core themes, and movements that emerged after 1914. The beginning of the work establishes its purpose and form, detailing how it intends to cater to readers seeking insightful guidance in American literature. It outlines the selection criteria for included authors, emphasizing not just popularity but also literary significance and experimental qualities in their work. The authors express an intent to document diverse tendencies in American literature from the war onwards, categorizing authors according to their contributions, including anthologies, plays, and short stories, while maintaining a critical eye toward the prevailing literary landscape.