A spirited and lively introduction to American literature, this book acquaints readers with the key authors, works, and events in the nation's rich and ecclectic literary tradition.

Kevin J. Hayes is Professor of English at the University of Central Oklahoma and the author of The Road to Monticello.

• Acknowledgments


• 1. Beginnings


• 2. Travels


• 3. Autobiography


• 4. Narrative Voice and the Short Story


• 5. Poetry


• 6. The Drama of the Everyday


• 7. The Great American Novel


• 8. Endings


• Timeline


• Index