American Writers focuses on the rich diversity of American novelists, short story writers, poets, dramatists, essayists, and nonfiction writers whose reputations were built on the literary merit of their writing. Providing a genuine cross section of these major literary genres, this book includes biographical profiles of writers from colonial times to the present and from all major literary movements. Emphasis is placed on reflecting the diverse ethnic backgrounds of America's literary greats. The book profiles those writers who have contributed the most to the development of the American literary tradition, whether they are writers of literary fiction or of science fiction, have been motivated by politics or inspired by nature, are poets or dramatists. This volume offers a glimpse into the lives and achievements of more than 260 individuals.
Any reader with an interest in literature and writers will want this book. It contains a general bibliography; three subject indexes that list entries by literary movement/region/subject/style, literary genre, and year of birth; a comprehensive index; and 55 photographs depicting these remarkable individuals.