Volume 2 of Cather Studies demonstrates the range of topics and approaches in contemporary discussions of Willa Cather s work for the informed reader or the specialized student.This volume includes major essays on Cather's response to the cultural pessimism of Oswald Spengler, her affinities to Alphonse Daudet, and aspects of her art in My Antonia , The Professor's House , and Shadows on the Rock. ".