In Short
In tracing the development of American literature from its beginninggs to the present, Malcolm Bradbury, the English
novelist and critic, and Richard Ruland, a professor of
English and American literature at Washington University, have made it their
aim in "From Puritanism to Postmodernism" "to describe a central
thread in the nation's literary conversation with itself" in the midst of
"the present din of disputed reassessment." Unfortunately, this
conversation, which has been going on for some 300 years, does not seem to lend
itself readily to systematic analysis. Indeed, the "central thread"
never becomes quite clear. The authors are scrupulously fair to every sort of
writer and movement; their range of reference is impressive, and their analyses
are often urbane and intelligent. However, no really strong theme emerges, nor
do the authors offer much in the way of fresh insight. At times one longs,
perhaps unfairly, for a less judicious approach -- for some evidence of
partisanship or passion, an indication that the authors care fiercely about a
particular writer or idea. But, except in a paean to Herman
Melville, the tone of "From Puritanism to Postmodernism" is curiously
bland, and its treatment of great writers disappointingly cursory. This
book is not so much a history, which implies a cohesive point of view, as a
broad survey.
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© a.r.e.a./Dr.Vicente Forés López
© Bárbara Gasquet Carrera
Universitat de Valčncia Press
Creada: 06/110/2008
Última Actualización: 06/11/2008