About the book
The study of nineteenth-century American literature has long been tied up with the study of American democracy. Just as some regions in the United States are elevated to stand in for the whole nation—New England is a good example—D. Berton Emerson argues the same is true for American literature of the nineteenth century; a few canonical texts overrepresent the more motley history of American letters. Emerson examines an eclectic group of literary texts that have rarely, if ever, been considered representative of “the nation” because of their unseemly characters or plots, divergence from dominant literary trends of the era, or local particularity. These are his “literary misfits,” authors and texts that show different forms of egalitarianism in action that existed outside and even against the dominant liberal narratives of American democracy.
Emerson’s unique contribution is revealing these texts and the people they represent as rich with political knowledge. This knowledge, he argues, finds its most potent expression in the local. Such texts show us a different kind of democratic politics: one that is egalitarian, disorderly, and radical rather than homogeneous.
Editions of American Literary Misfits
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781469678399
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469678405
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469678412
- EBook
- ISBN 9781469678429
- EBook
- ISBN 9798890887191
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890887184
Read an Excerpt
The study of nineteenth-century American literature has long been tied up with the study of American democracy. Just as some regions in the United States are elevated to stand in for the whole nation—New England is a good example—D. Berton Emerson argues the same is true for American literature of the nineteenth century; a few canonical texts overrepresent the more motley history of American letters. Emerson examines an eclectic group of literary texts that have rarely, if ever, been considered representative of “the nation” because of their unseemly characters or plots, divergence from dominant literary trends of the era, or local particularity. These are his “literary misfits,” authors and texts that show different forms of egalitarianism in action that existed outside and even against the dominant liberal narratives of American democracy.
Emerson’s unique contribution is revealing these texts and the people they represent as rich with political knowledge. This knowledge, he argues, finds its most potent expression in the local. Such texts show us a different kind of democratic politics: one that is egalitarian, disorderly, and radical rather than homogeneous.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is American Literary Misfits about?
The study of nineteenth-century American literature has long been tied up with the study of American democracy. Just as some regions in the United States are elevated to stand in for the whole nation—New England is a good example—D. Berton Emerson argues the same is true for American literature of the nineteenth century; a few canonical texts overrepresent the more motley history of American letters. Emerson examines an eclectic group of literary texts that have rarely, if ever, been considered representative of “the nation” because of their unseemly characters or plots, divergence from dominant literary trends of the era, or local particularity. These are his “literary misfits,” authors and texts that show different forms of egalitarianism in action that existed outside and even against the dominant liberal narratives of American democracy.
Emerson’s unique contribution is revealing these texts and the people they represent as rich with political knowledge. This knowledge, he argues, finds its most potent expression in the local. Such texts show us a different kind of democratic politics: one that is egalitarian, disorderly, and radical rather than homogeneous.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in American Literary Misfits?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Literature: history and criticism
Where can I read a sample of American Literary Misfits?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781469678399
How long is American Literary Misfits and how many pages does it have?
American Literary Misfits has 250 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book American Literary Misfits?
D. Berton Emerson
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
American Literary Misfits is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781469678399) and paperback(ISBN 9781469678405) and ebook(ISBN 9781469678412) and ebook(ISBN 9781469678429) and ebook(ISBN 9798890887191) and pdf(ISBN 9798890887184)
Where can I buy American Literary Misfits online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy American Literary Misfits from below
Where can I buy American Literary Misfits?