This book suggests an interpretation of the characteristic qualities of Scottish and American literatures.

Preface; Acknowledgements; 1. Calvin's theology and the puritan mind; 2. After Armageddon: Jonathan Edwards and David Hume; 3. From puritanism to provincialism; 4. The pursuit of the double; 5. Spectators, spies and spectres: the observer's stance; 6. 'Is anything central?'; Notes; Bibliography; Index.