Customer Reviews

The Norton Anthology of American Literature: v. 2

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

The misleading title of this anthology is the first thing that comes to mind when receiving it in the mail: "...Shorter Fifth Edition." After lugging it along on my hike to class every morning for the past semester, I have a few issues with that proudly displayed "shorter." There are few books I can think of that aren't shorter than this one. Length (and weight) aside, the comprehensiveness of the anthology is amazing. As an English major, I've read a lot of anthologies, but this one stands out among them. In addition to the standard fare (T. S. Eliot, "A Streetcar Named Desire," "Huck Finn") that we English majors read in class after class, it features a diverse range of refreshing and new entries. Every point of view under the ridiculously broad umbrella of Americanness seems to be represented here: the rarely-seen chants and myths of the Native Americans, the poetry of slaves, and an impressive number of women writers are all accounted for. It's a relief to read an anthology that doesn't just have the same old prose as every other anthology, and for that, I'm more than willing to drag the heavy book to and from campus.

While this anthology provides a wonderful array of texts by diverse authors, it is difficult to use in a survey course without supplementation. Given the high cost of the volume, it is difficult to justify asking students to purchase additional texts. However, to give two examples, both Fitzgerald and Hemingway are represented by just one story apiece. Surely Jack London or Frank Norris could have been limited to one text each in order to include more short selections or, better, a full novel by one or both of these important writers. I found it difficult to plan a semester that offered a full survey of Am lit using only this anthology.

One of the joys of life is found in reading and starting a collection for your own libary. I am a college student and had to use this shorter edition for my Major American Authors course. It provides a great way to meet many different writers and see what you personally like. It is true that your collection of books should show something about your personality; therefore, the most helpful part of this anthology is the amount of writers you will be able to become aquainted with and see if you like.

It provides more help by giving beautiful introductions and biographies of all of the writers included. I like the mix of short stories and some full length novels too. Very helpful and I'd recommend it to anyone who is looking to start a little library of their own.

I bought this book for my American Lit Survey course. Over the past semester I have read a majority of this book. I have come to realise that this book is good for both class and any home in America. This book contains writings from Christopher Columbus and Cabeza De Vaca to Alberto Rios and Li-Young Lee. Between those writers there are great American works by Samule Clemens and Henry David Thoreau. A collection of writings like this is perfect for any home. I encourage all people who want a copy of "Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "The Yellow Wall Paper" in one library to save space and just buy this book.

The Norton anthology is the definitive collection of American literature. Its selections range from the letters of Christopher Columbus to quintessential American works like Whitman's "Song of Myself" and inherently American movements such as beat poetry. The collection offers a wide spread selection of works, some of which fall outside of your typical definition of "literature." All, however, have been important parts of our artistic tradition and provide literary examples of the coming of age of America. Literature has truly helped to define the American identity. This book is a history lesson, a journey through some of the most beautiful poetry and prose ever written and a testament to the kind of intelligent, passionate people that have formed our country.

The Norton Anthology of American literature is a great collection of the most prominent and prolific authors in this young nation's history. The Anthology covers the development of authors in the new world, from the early native American folk tales to the works of Toni Morrison and Allen Ginsberg. The anthology spans poetry and prose and gives the reader a great cross sectional view of American society and its problems. The presence of Native American, Black and Hispanic authors presents a complete line up of works of literature, presented in a pleasant chronological order and introduced by a brief and interesting description of the author's life and works. The introductory description of each author facilitates the contextual placement of the text and its comprehension. The anthology contains several novels such as "Howl", "Sula" and "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn". The presence of these complete works makes the anthology more complete, as they are an important part of the American literary tradition. The selection of authors and of their works is a good one, but presents some flaws. Obviously not being able to include all relevant authors in the American literary tradition, the editors selected a large number of authors, and their most important works. Nonetheless several important texts seem to be missing. Texts by less prolific authors, such as the great new classic "To kill a mockingbird" are missing. Although the anthology gives the reader an introduction on the author and his works it does not stimulate sufficiently through interesting points to be discussed and questions which shed light on hidden or obscure aspects of the texts. The anthology is a great tool for any class, or for the passionate reader. It is ideal if accompanied by a class or group/club in which the texts are discussed.

This anthology is a must have for anyone interested in not only reading American Literature, but anyone who has an interest in American History. From Christopher Columbus' letters to Tennessee Williams' famous "Stella!" in A Streetcar named Desire, this anthology covers everything. The introductions to the pieces of literature not only tell about the author but the history behind the works. There is something for everyone and though it is huge (2879 pages to be exact)it takes up less room than would owning all of the classics in this anthology. I gave this anthology four stars only due to the akward size and the thin pages that cause you to look through to the other side of the page, blurring the already small type. It is a small price to pay, though, for so many classic works of literature.

With an array of brilliant American writers from Walt Whitman to Edgar Allen Poe, this edition includes writers of different genres, styles, genders, and backgrounds. Yet they all share a quality which seems to define America. These essential writers and their works of literature have been thoughtfully chosen with poignant biographical information. I would recommend this to anyone curious in regards to the profound wisdom and wit American writers have conveyed.

Rarely does one encounter a book that can be read when you are in any mood. Despite the physical weight of the anthology, which makes it awkward to carry around, there is something in it for everyone. The book includes authors ranging from the beginning of American history, such as Columbus, to modern day writers like Pinsky. I found the collection to be complete and varied. The biographical introductions to each author are helpful from an academic standpoint, as well as to shed light on writers I was not familiar with. The most interesting aspect of the anthology is the development of writing styles throughout the centuries. The themes and forms vary to reflect what was important at certain times. This is truly an fabulous book filled with colorful writings that mirror the intellectualism of men and women we oftentimes overlook as being antiquated in style. For there is nothing more timeless than Anne Bradstreet's letter to her children written in the 1600's. She speaks of the ageless trials of parenthood, love, and duty to God. I hope others will enjoy this book and learn something from it, even if it's that you don't like a certain author.

I love this book! It was my text for English 242 and the wrintings in it are wonderful, I would strongly suggest this book to any reader or student who is interested in modern American literature. The book offers selections in modern poetry, women's literature, the Harlem Rennaisance, modern folk (such as Mark Twain),realism, naturalism, local color, etc. This is a great book with a wide vaiety of modern pieces.