A fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American Literature.

Times Literary Supplement

In the American Grain

Literature by William Carlos Williams

With a contribution by Rick Moody

Although admired by D. H. Lawrence, this modern classic went generally unnoticed during the years after its publication in 1925. Yet it is “a fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American literature” (London Times Literary Supplement). William Carlos Williams was not a historian, but he was fascinated by the texture of American history. Beginning with Columbus’s discovery of the Indies and moving on through Sir Walter Raleigh, Cotton Mather, Daniel Boone, George Washington, Ben Franklin, Aaron Burr, Edgar Allan Poe, and Abraham Lincoln, Williams found in the fabric of familiar episodes new shades of meaning and configurations of character. He brought a poetic imagination to the task of reconstructing a live tradition for Americans, and what results is one of the finest works of prose to have been penned by any writer of the twentieth century.

Paperback(published Oct, 01 2009)

ISBN
9780811218498
Price US
13.95
Trim Size
5x7
Page Count
272

Ebook(published Oct, 01 2009)

ISBN
9780811221054
Price US
13.95
Portrait of William Carlos Williams

William Carlos Williams

One of the greatest poets of the 20th Century, William Carlos Williams is “The cornerstone of New Directions”

A fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American Literature.

Times Literary Supplement

It’s just as fresh as it was nearly a century ago.

Rick Moody

His treatment is free and episodic, beginning with the Vikings and ending with Abraham Lincoln.

Daniel J. Boorstin