The Cambridge History of the American Essay

The Cambridge History of the American Essay provides a comprehensive account of the diverse and complex history of American essay writing, from the early eighteenth century to the contemporary scene. It explores various genres and identities, including nature writing, travel writing, the genteel tradition, literary criticism, and hybrid genres.

Format: Hardback
Length: 850 pages
Publication date: 14 December 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

From the very inception of the United States, essayists have employed their prose to convey the multifaceted ways in which their unique identities have been molded by the politics, social dynamics, and cultural tapestry of this nation. The Cambridge History of the American Essay presents the most comprehensive account of this diverse and intricate history to date. Spanning from Puritan writings to essays by Indigenous authors, from Transcendentalist and Pragmatist texts to Harlem Renaissance essays, from New Criticism to New Journalism, this volume chronicles the evolution of the American essay, beginning in the early eighteenth century and culminating in the vibrant, heterogeneous landscape of contemporary essayistic writing.

The essay in the United States has taken on a multitude of forms, including nature writing, travel writing, the genteel tradition, literary criticism, and hybrid genres such as the essay film and the photo essay. Within these diverse genres and identities, this volume offers a captivating exploration of American essayism into the twenty-first century.

The essayists of the United States have played a pivotal role in shaping the nation's literary landscape, using their words to explore the complexities of American society and culture. From the early Puritan settlers who sought to establish a religious community based on their beliefs to the Indigenous authors who have reclaimed their voice and stories through their writing, the American essay has evolved to reflect the changing tides of history and the diverse voices that have contributed to its rich tapestry.

The Transcendentalist and Pragmatist movements of the nineteenth century were particularly fertile grounds for the development of the American essay. These philosophical schools of thought emphasized the importance of individualism, intuition, and experience in shaping one's understanding of the world. As a result, essayists such as Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, and William James emerged as influential figures in the American literary scene, using their essays to explore the relationship between the individual and society, nature and culture, and the search for meaning and purpose in life.

The Harlem Renaissance, which emerged in the early twentieth century, was another period that saw the flourishing of the American essay. This cultural movement, characterized by a celebration of African American culture, art, and literature, gave rise to a new generation of essayists who used their writing to address social and political issues facing their community. Writers such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and W.E.B. Du Bois used their essays to explore themes of race, identity, and the struggle for equality, challenging the dominant narratives of the time and paving the way for future generations of African American writers.

In the mid-twentieth century, the New Criticism movement emerged as a dominant force in American literary criticism. This school of thought focused on the close reading and analysis of literary texts, emphasizing the importance of language, structure, and form in shaping the meaning and significance of a work. Essayists such as John Crowe Ransom, T.S. Eliot, and Frank O'Hara used their essays to explore the nuances and complexities of literary works, offering critical insights and interpretations that challenged traditional readings and opened up new avenues for interpretation.

The New Journalism movement, which emerged in the late twentieth century, was a response to the rise of television and mass media. This movement sought to bring a more journalistic approach to reporting and writing, focusing on the human stories and experiences behind the headlines. Essayists such as Tom Wolfe, Hunter S. Thompson, and Joan Didion used their essays to explore the social and cultural landscape of the United States, offering a raw and unvarnished account of the events and trends that shaped the nation.

Today, the American essay continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of contemporary writing. Essayists are exploring new genres and forms, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the written word. From the personal essay, which explores the author's own experiences and thoughts, to the hybrid essay, which combines elements of fiction, nonfiction, and poetry, the American essay is a dynamic and ever-evolving form of expression.

One of the most notable trends in contemporary American essayism is the increasing focus on social and political issues. Essayists are using their writing to address the pressing concerns of our time, from climate change and inequality to racism and discrimination. They are using their platforms to raise awareness and promote change, using their words to inspire and empower readers to take action.

Another trend in contemporary American essayism is the exploration of identity and culture. Essayists are using their writing to explore the complex and multifaceted nature of identity, from race and ethnicity to gender and sexuality. They are using their essays to challenge the dominant narratives and stereotypes that perpetuate discrimination and inequality, offering alternative perspectives and insights that promote understanding and empathy.

In conclusion, the American essay has a rich and complex history that spans centuries. From its early Puritan roots to its contemporary forms, the essay has been a powerful tool for essayists to explore the many ways in which their individuality has been shaped by the politics, social life, and culture of the United States. The Cambridge History of the American Essay offers a comprehensive account of this diverse and intricate history, from the early eighteenth century to the vibrant, heterogeneous scene of contemporary essayistic writing. The essay in the United States has taken on a multitude of forms, including nature writing, travel writing, the genteel tradition, literary criticism, and hybrid genres such as the essay film and the photo essay. Across genres and identities, this volume offers a stirring account of American essayism into the twenty-first century. As essayists continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the written word, we can expect to see the American essay continue to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of contemporary writing, offering new insights and perspectives on the world around us.

Weight: 1180g
Dimension: 235 x 159 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316512708