The Center of the World: Regional Writing and the Puzzles of Place-Time

Regional Writing and the Puzzles of Place-Time explores how regional writing shapes ways of imagining not only the neighborhood or the province, but also the nation and the world. It analyzes how concepts crystallize across disciplines and in everyday discourse and proposes ways of revising American literary history and close readings of particular authors' works. The volume discusses fiction from the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries, including works by Sui Sin Far/Edith Eaton, Sarah Orne Jewett, Ernest Gaines, Wendell Berry, and Ursula LeGuin.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 25 October 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

Regional Writing and the Puzzles of Place-Time is a comprehensive exploration of literary regionalism, delving into the rich tapestry of American fiction and its global significance. While often associated with local narratives, this study uncovers the profound ways in which regional writing shapes our perceptions of not only our immediate surroundings but also the broader realms of the nation and the world. At its core, the study posits that contemplating place inherently involves envisioning time, a concept that permeates various disciplines and everyday conversations. Through meticulous analysis, it unravels the crystallization of ideas across different fields and examines how these concepts manifest in literature and popular discourse. One of the key insights of the book is its recognition of the pivotal role played by figures such as schoolteachers and one-room schoolhouses in capturing the essence of local color and fostering a place-focused writing style. These representations encapsulate the complex interplay between localities and the knowledge they generate, representing the ongoing tension between tradition and modernity. By examining works from the nineteenth, twentieth, and twenty-first centuries, including the esteemed writings of Sui Sin Far/Edith Eaton, Sarah Orne Jewett, Ernest Gaines, Wendell Berry, and Ursula LeGuin, as well as romance novels and regional mysteries, the volume offers a rich and diverse perspective on the evolution of fiction in America. Through meticulous close readings, it sheds light on the ways in which regional writing contributes to our understanding of place, identity, and the complexities of the human experience. Regional Writing and the Puzzles of Place-Time is a seminal work that not only enriches our understanding of literature but also expands our horizons, challenging us to reevaluate our perceptions of place and time in a rapidly changing world.

Weight: 488g
Dimension: 157 x 235 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192871695