Literature to 1800

Literature written prior to 1700 draws less attention this year than that of the 18th century. While the Puritans take center stage in studies centered on the years before 1700, scholars interrogate a wide variety of texts and authors from the 18th century from an impressive array of theoretical and historical approaches. Poets, British Loyalists, novelists, and plantation owners are all placed under the literary lens of investigation. Though Susanna Rowson and Charles Brockden Brown remain perennial favorites, scholars also scrutinize other and lesser-known writers of fiction. Some interests across the field coalesce around such topics as the American gothic, disabilities studies, and the book trade. Though the work of bringing to light new authors—particularly from marginalized groups—is an ongoing project, new knowledge emerges regarding familiar texts, and well-known authors are given fresh understanding through investigations of their lesser-known works.