A canon for today’s classrooms. The concise table of contents presents a judicious selection of literature that has been applauded by hundreds of instructors throughout the country, and vetted by an editorial board of expert reviewers. Aiming for broad representation rather than comprehensive coverage, the table of contents emphasizes the most frequently taught writers, but also reflects the rich diversity of American literature.
An emphasis on complete works and authoritative editions. Poems, plays, sketches, stories, novellas, along with many lengthy works of nonfiction are included in their entirety. Texts in the anthology are generally from the first printings or from authoritative modern editions of early books and manuscripts. Explanatory notes aid students in their reading of early texts and explain when a text has been altered.
A flexible format that allows instructors to assign the novel of their choice. For maximum flexibility in course planning (and for the sake of pleasurable reading) key novels are published separately as part of the new Bedford College Editions series. The Scarlet Letter, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Benito Cereno, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Awakening can be economically packaged with the anthology. The first volume (a $5 value) can be packaged for free; subsequent volumes can be packaged for $3 net. Modern and contemporary trade titles are also available for packaging at significant savings.
More readable and engaging editorial apparatus. Authoritative and notably concise, the introductions to periods, chapters, authors, and selections have been highly praised for their effective tone that speaks clearly to students. The introductory headnotes are uniquely complemented by marginal quotations from authors that help students make connections among literary works and writers.
A matchless illustration program. Carefully selected and well-captioned, the more than 350 images (for the two volumes combined) include writer portraits; original illustrations from literary works; paintings and photographs of contemporary scenes, title pages, and manuscript pages of books. Eight maps and six timelines are enhanced by a two-color design.
Unique contextual materials.
- "American Contexts" groups writers thematically to invite discussion of ideological issues, critical controversies, cultural developments, and distinctive genres. Themes include: American diaries and journals, the emerging idea of "America, " the role of the periodical press, manifestoes of modern poetry, postwar dreams and realities, and many more.
- "Through a Modern Lens" sections in Volume One connect American writers of the past with American writers of the present, and include Robert Lowell’s exploration of Jonathan Edwards and Kevin Young’s tribute to Phillis Wheatley.
- A thematic strand on the history of reading, writing, and publishing is woven throughout to emphasize the role of literature in American culture and history.
An author team committed to scholarship and teaching. Respected scholars and experienced teachers, Susan Belasco and Linck Johnson are uniquely qualified to edit a new, more teachable American literature anthology. Their keen sense of what works and doesn’t work in the American literature classroom is reflected in the judiciously compiled table of contents.