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 industry championed the work of U.S.-based writers, highlighted the cultural value of American literary works, and intervened in debates about the future of American literature, authorship, and print culture. The Transatlantic Materials of American Literature examines British editions of American fiction, poetry, essays, and autobiographies from writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Frederick Douglass, and Hannah Flagg Gould, and considers key issues of the day, including copyright law, changing print technologies, and the financial considerations at play for authors and publishers.

Format: Hardback
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 popularity of print and the growing 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 value 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 key issues of the day, including developments in copyright law, evolving 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 resulted in the emergence of overlapping and competing visions of American nationhood, as authors and publishers navigated the complex dynamics of cultural exchange and representation across the Atlantic.

The antebellum period witnessed a remarkable transformation in the publishing industry, as British publishers actively engaged with American literary works, contributing to the shaping and development of American literature as a whole. Through their authorized and unauthorized editions, they played a vital role in promoting the works of U.S.-based writers, highlighting the cultural significance of American literary works, and engaging in critical debates about the future of American literature, authorship, and print culture.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781625346865