Literature to 1800

The wide swath of approaches to early American studies in 2015 testifies to the vitality of the field, and organizing the materials for this chapter proved challenging. A common denominator for much of this year’s criticism, however, is review and revision—fresh readings, fresh connections, and fresh observations abound. Genre, political engagement, national figures, conservationism, identity, boundaries, literary tradition, and rhetoric, among others, all assume prominence in one or more studies and appear in new light. Despite this significant engagement with revision, there is also a sense of the familiar: many of the figures and works under scrutiny are well known and often read. Studies of lesser-known figures and lesser-read works in all genres clearly stepped into the background this year, and a renewal of rediscovery of unread texts and authors is needed.