Dwelling in the Text: Houses in American Fiction

The house is a central place in American mythology, and architecture can tell us about individual psychology, national character, and aspiration. Marilyn Chandler's book explores the complex analogies between house and psyche, house and family, house and social environment, and house and text, tracing a historical path from settlement to unsettledness in American culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 346 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The house, a revered and iconic symbol in American culture, has been explored in depth by Marilyn Chandler through a series of captivating house tours in American novels. Beginning with Thoreau's Walden and concluding with Toni Morrison's Beloved and Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping, Chandler delves into the intricate connections between the house and the psyche, family, social environment, and text. Through her meticulous analysis, she traces a historical journey from settlement to unsettledness in American culture, unearthing the rich rituals associated with building, decorating, inhabiting, and abandoning houses.

Chandler's exploration reveals the complex interplay between our yearning for rootedness and our romanticization of vast open spaces. She highlights the tension between materialism and spirituality that permeates our national character, drawing parallels between these opposing forces and the ambivalence we experience in our desire for stability and exploration.

In a time when housing has become an increasingly pressing issue in America, this insightful examination of the place of houses and homes in the American imagination offers valuable insights into the attitudes, assumptions, and expectations that shape the designing and building of our homes. It sheds light on the cultural and societal factors that influence our preferences and choices when it comes to housing, providing a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play.

This title, as part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, commemorates the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds, giving them a platform to express their ideas and impact society. Drawing on a rich backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived utilizes print-on-demand technology to make high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again. Originally published in 1991, this title continues to resonate with readers, offering a timeless exploration of the house and its profound significance in American culture.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520347625