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Cover of Some great American books

Some great American books

Written by Dallas Lore Sharp

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Books and readingAmerican literature

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About this book

"Some Great American Books" by Dallas Lore Sharp is a guidebook written in the early 20th century that aims to introduce readers to notable American literature. The book serves as a curated selection of significant works, intended to foster a deeper understanding of American literary heritage by recommending a series of important texts for consecutive reading. In this work, Sharp discusses a range of American authors and their key contributions to literature, including Washington Irving's "The Sketch Book," James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans," and Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Scarlet Letter," among others. He emphasizes the importance of contextualizing literature within its historical period and encourages readers to engage actively with texts, appreciating their stylistic nuances and thematic depth. By providing recommendations and insights into each work, Sharp invites readers to embark on a journey through the diverse landscape of American literature, highlighting the cultural significance and emotional resonance of the selected books.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Some great American books, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 7 hours
  • intermediate
  • analytical
  • appreciative
  • scholarly

Dallas Lore Sharp's "Some great American books" is a collection of insightful literary essays that critically examine and celebrate foundational works within the American literary canon. Sharp, a nature writer and essayist, shifts his focus here to literary criticism, offering a discerning perspective on what constitutes 'greatness' in American literature. The book delves into the historical, cultural, and artistic merits of various seminal texts, arguing for their enduring significance and their role in shaping American identity and thought. It serves as both an appreciation and an analytical guide to the literary landscape of its time.

“"A great book is not merely a book that has been written; it is a book that has been lived."”

Key themes

The Definition of American Literary Greatness
Sharp consistently grapples with what qualities elevate a book to 'greatness' within the American context. This involves not only artistic merit but also its capacity to capture the national spirit, reflect societal changes, and influence subsequent thought. He seeks to define a unique 'Americanness' in literature.
National Identity and Literature
Sharp explores how American literature has both reflected and shaped the nation's evolving identity. He examines how authors grappled with questions of democracy, individualism, puritanical heritage, and the vastness of the American experience to forge a distinct literary tradition separate from European influences.
The Enduring Power of Classic Texts
A core argument throughout Sharp's essays is the timelessness and continued relevance of certain literary works. He champions these books not just as historical artifacts but as living texts that continue to speak to contemporary readers, offering wisdom, insight, and aesthetic pleasure across generations.

Worth discussing

What criteria does Sharp use to define a 'great American book,' and how do these criteria compare to contemporary literary standards?

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