The American Novel

The American Novel (1921) by Carl Van Doren examines the development and evolution of American fiction from its colonial beginnings through the early 20th century. This comprehensive literary history traces major movements, authors, and works that shaped the American novel as a distinct form. Van Doren analyzes key authors including James Fenimore Cooper, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Herman Melville, Mark Twain, Henry James, and Edith Wharton. The book provides context for their works within broader cultural and historical frameworks of American society. The text moves chronologically through different periods of American literature, from the earliest romance novels to the rise of realism and naturalism. Van Doren documents how American writers gradually developed their own voice and broke away from European literary traditions. Through this historical survey, Van Doren demonstrates how the American novel reflects the nation's evolving identity, values, and relationship with both wilderness and civilization. The work stands as an important examination of how literature and national character intersect and influence each other.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Carl Van Doren's overall work: Readers praise Van Doren's clear writing style and ability to make complex historical figures accessible. His biography "Benjamin Franklin" receives particular attention for its thorough research and engaging narrative that brings Franklin's personality to life. One reader noted: "Van Doren presents Franklin as a real person, not just a historical icon." Readers appreciate: - Balanced perspective on historical figures - Integration of primary sources - Readable prose style - Thorough research methodology Common criticisms: - Some dated language and attitudes - Occasional slow pacing - Limited coverage of certain topics - Dense academic tone in some works On Goodreads, "Benjamin Franklin" maintains a 4.1/5 rating from 800+ readers. His "The American Novel" averages 3.8/5 from 50+ ratings. Amazon reviews trend similarly positive, with "Benjamin Franklin" at 4.3/5 from 90+ reviews. Multiple readers cite Van Doren's influence on their understanding of American literature, though some note his academic background can make certain passages challenging for casual readers.

The Cambridge History of American Literature by Sacvan Bercovitch A chronological examination of American literature traces the development of literary movements and cultural shifts across multiple centuries.

American Fiction: An Historical and Critical Survey by Arthur Hobson Quinn The text presents American fiction through detailed analysis of major works and authors from colonial times through the modern period.

Literary History of the United States by Robert E. Spiller This comprehensive study maps the progression of American literature through historical contexts and literary movements.

The Oxford History of the Novel in English by Patrick Parrinder The volume explores the evolution of the novel form in English-speaking countries with focus on cultural and social influences.

The Columbia Literary History of the United States by Emory Elliott The work connects American literature to historical events through examination of diverse voices and literary traditions across different periods.

🔖 Carl Van Doren won the Pulitzer Prize in 1939 for his biography of Benjamin Franklin, though this was years after writing "The American Novel" 📚 The book was one of the first comprehensive studies of American novel-writing as a distinct literary tradition, published in 1921 when American literature was still often considered inferior to European works ✍️ Van Doren served as the literary editor of The Nation and was among the first critics to recognize the significance of writers like Theodore Dreiser and Sinclair Lewis 📖 The work tracks the evolution of American fiction from Charles Brockden Brown in the late 18th century through the early modernist period, showing how novels reflected changing American ideals 🎓 While writing this book, Van Doren was simultaneously teaching at Columbia University, where he helped establish one of the first courses specifically focused on American literary history