The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature [Mass Market Paperback]

Laurie E. Rozakis (Author)

Book Description

Series: The Complete Idiot's Guide | Publication Date: August 1, 1999

You're no idiot, of course. You know that Samuel Clemens had a better-known pen name, Moby Dick is a famous whale, and the Raven only said,"Nevermore." But when it comes to understanding the great works of Mark Twain, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe, you'd rather rent the videos than head to your local library. Don't tear up your library card yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature teaches you all about the rich tradition of American prose and poetry, so you can fully appreciate its magnificent diversity. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

You're no idiot, of course. You know that Samuel Clemens had a better-known pen name, Moby Dick is a famous whale, and the Raven only said,"Nevermore." But when it comes to understanding the great works of Mark Twain, Herman Melville, and Edgar Allan Poe, you'd rather rent the videos than head to your local library. Don't tear up your library card yet! The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature teaches you all about the rich tradition of American prose and poetry, so you can fully appreciate its magnificent diversity. In this Complete Idiot's Guide, you get:

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Alpha; 1st edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0028633784
• ISBN-13: 978-0028633787
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #177,311 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only BOOK necessary to pass the American Lit CLEP!, August 19, 2004

By 

Fool-in-the-Rain "Wes" (Kentucky USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature (Mass Market Paperback)

I passed the American Lit CLEP yesterday with a score of 69...the test was easier than what I thought it would be. I ordered this book and the Barron's Study Keys (a complete waste of money) for test preparation. I found myself constantly referring back to this source over and over again as I studied.

To prepare for the exam, I would suggest reading this book completely (except for the chapter concerning Canadian Literature). While reading, write down all of the authors and works mentioned. Take this information and look for online summaries (I liked sparknotes) of the works. This should prepare you to pass the exam with room to spare.

I would also suggest examining some of the most popular American playwrights (O'Neill and Williams). The Complete Idiot's Guide does not provide much information on them, yet there were several questions on the actual test about them.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easy to read and great for the CLEP, January 6, 2005

By 

A. McCardie - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature (Mass Market Paperback)

Based on recommendations here, I bought this book and used it over a period of 4 months to prepare for the American Literature CLEP. I found the book easy to read and would guess that it directly covers about 85% of what I saw. The book didn't cover a few authors and left out some of the works discussed but otherwise was right on target.

In addition to the book, definitely study the playwrights (Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill) as suggested by another reviewer. Also, the only chapter I didn't need was the one on Canadian authors.

As a study guide, I used this book almost exclusively and wouldn't have had a chance without it.

BTW, I scored a 72.

24 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun way to learn about American Literature, December 2, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature (Mass Market Paperback)

The Idiot's Guide to American Literature has a refreshing way of delivering crucial American Literature information. This book gives information about American authors, in chronological order, as well as the era in which they lived, and key works the authors have written. The author gives amusing comments that will help a reader remember certain styles the authors use to create their works. Throughout the book glossary terms are explained, and interesting and fun information is shared about the author, the work, or the author's era. Exerts from authors' key works are also included. The book also has appendices that give additional resources, a list of each author's works, and a glossary. It is a perfect resource to include when studying for the American Literature CLEP examination. I started to use this book as a study aide, and it turned out to be a book I couldn't put down.