The Companion to Southern Literature: Themes Genres Places People Movements and Motifs (Southern Literary Studies)

About this book

Selected as an Outstanding Academic Title by Choice Selected as an Outstanding Reference Source by the Reference and User Services Association of the American Library Association There are many anthologies of southern literature but this is the rst companion. Neither a survey of masterpieces nor a biographical sourcebook The Companion to Southern Literature treats every conceivable topic found in southern writing from the pre-Columbian era to the present referencing specic works of all periods and genres. Top scholars in their elds offer original denitions and examples of the concepts they know best identifying the themes burning issues historical personalities beloved icons and common or uncommon stereotypes that have shaped the most signicant regional literature in memory. Read the copious offerings straight through in alphabetical order (Ancestor Worship Blue-Collar Literature Caves) or skip randomly at whim (Guilt The Grotesque William Jefferson Clinton). Whatever approach you take The Companions authority scope and variety in tone and interpretation will prove a boon and a delight. Explored here are literary embodiments of the Old South New South Solid South Savage South Lazy South and Sahara of the Bozart. As up-to-date as grit lit K Mart ction and postmodernism and as old-fashioned as Puritanism mules and the tall tale these ve hundred entries span a reach from Lady to Lesbian Literature. The volume includes an overview of every southern states belletristic heritage while making it clear that the southern mind extends beyond geographical boundaries to form an essential component of the American psyche. The Souths lavishly rich literature provides the best means of understanding the regions deepest nature and The Companion to Southern Literature will be an invaluable tool for those who take on that exciting challenge. Description of Contents 500 lively succinct articles on topics ranging from Abolition to Yoknapatawpha 250 contributors including scholars writers and poets 2 tables of contents alphabetical and subject and a complete index A separate bibliography for most entries