The Transatlantic Materials of American Literature: Publishing US Writing in Britain, 1830-1860

British publishers released their own authorized and unauthorized editions of American literary works during the antebellum period, which played a formative role in shaping American literature. The Transatlantic Materials of American Literature examines these publications and considers key issues of the day, including copyright law, print technologies, and the financial considerations at play for authors and publishers. It also uncovers how the transatlantic circulation of these works exposed the racial violence and cultural nationalism at the heart of the American experiment.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2023
Publisher: University of Massachusetts Press

During the antebellum period, British publishers witnessed a surge in the production of authorized and unauthorized editions of American literary works, fueled by the explosive growth of print culture and the increasing literacy rates. This period played a pivotal role in shaping American literature, as the publishing industry championed the works of U.S.-based writers, emphasized the cultural significance of American literary works, and intervened in debates about the future of American literature, authorship, and print culture.

The Transatlantic Materials of American Literature delves into the examination of British editions of American fiction, poetry, essays, and autobiographies authored by renowned figures such as Edgar Allan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Hannah Flagg Gould. By placing these publications within the historical context, Katie McGettigan explores a range of key issues of the time, including the evolution of copyright law, advancements in print technologies, and the financial considerations that influenced authors and publishers.

In addition to its historical analysis, this innovative study also sheds light on how the transatlantic circulation of these works exposed the racial violence and cultural nationalism at the core of the American experiment. It reveals how these works produced overlapping and competing visions of American nationhood, contributing to the complex and evolving narrative of American identity.

The antebellum period witnessed a remarkable transformation in the publishing industry, as British publishers actively engaged in the production and dissemination of American literary works. Through their authorized and unauthorized editions, they played a significant role in shaping the literary landscape of the United States, promoting the works of American writers, and contributing to the broader cultural exchange between the two nations.

Weight: 464g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625346858