"Oxford is absolutely correct in presenting this new version of Davidson's book as enhanced and expanded. A powerhouse of scholarship dedicated to the ethnography of all novels published in the US between 1789 and 1820, the book presents the early American novel as the focus of a nascent dialogue of dissent on American identity and the newly formed ideals expounded in the U.S. Constitution. What is new and exciting about this edition of the book isDavidson's 54-page introduction, in which she carefully examines the last 20 years of scholarship and lists important anthologies that have changed the shape of early American studies. Highly recommended."--ChoicePraise for the previous edition: "Drawing on recent work in social history, post-structuralist literary theory and feminist studies, [Davidson] argues persuasively that the genesis of American fiction was an integral part of a widespread crisis of authority in early modern America. A wonderful book.
"--The Nation"A fascinating and groundbreaking book."--Philadelphia Inquirer"Revolution and the Word--sophisticated, comprehensive and imaginative--charts this wilderness birthplace of American fiction and updates our notion of literary criticism in the process. As remarkable for its methods as for its message."--San Francisco Chronicle"An engaging combination of information and analysis, Davidson's book on the production and readers of the early novel will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the novel, of reading, or of American literature."--Library Journal"Oxford is absolutely correct in presenting this new version of Davidson's book as enhanced and expanded. A powerhouse of scholarship dedicated to the ethnography of all novels published in the US between 1789 and 1820, the book presents the early American novel as the focus of a nascent dialogue of dissent on American identity and the newly formed ideals expounded in the U.S. Constitution.
What is new and exciting about this edition of the book isDavidson's 54-page introduction, in which she carefully examines the last 20 years of scholarship and lists important anthologies that have changed the shape of early American studies. Highly recommended."--ChoicePraise for the previous edition: "Drawing on recent work in social history, post-structuralist literary theory and feminist studies, [Davidson] argues persuasively that the genesis of American fiction was an integral part of a widespread crisis of authority in early modern America. A wonderful book."--The Nation"A fascinating and groundbreaking book."--Philadelphia Inquirer"Revolution and the Word--sophisticated, comprehensive and imaginative--charts this wilderness birthplace of American fiction and updates our notion of literary criticism in the process. As remarkable for its methods as for its message."--San Francisco Chronicle"An engaging combination of information and analysis, Davidson's book on the production and readers of the early novel will be a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of the novel, of reading, or of American literature.
"--Library Journal.