John Neal and Nineteenth-century American Literature and Culture


Book Description

John Neal and Nineteenth-Century American Literature and Culture is a critical reassessment of American novelist, editor, critic, and activist John Neal, arguing for his importance to the ongoing reassessment of the American Renaissance and the broader cultural history of the Nineteenth Century. Contributors (including scholars from the United States, Germany, England, Italy, and Israel) present Neal as an innovative literary stylist, penetrating cultural critic, pioneering regionalist, and vital participant in the business of letters in America over his sixty-year career.




First Lady of Letters


Book Description

Judith Sargent Murray (1751-1820), poet, essayist, playwright, and one of the most thoroughgoing advocates of women's rights in early America, was as well known in her own day as Abigail Adams or Martha Washington. Her name, though, has virtually disappeared from the public consciousness. Thanks to the recent discovery of Murray's papers—including some 2,500 personal letters—historian Sheila L. Skemp has documented the compelling story of this talented and most unusual eighteenth-century woman. Born in Gloucester, Massachussetts, Murray moved to Boston in 1793 with her second husband, Universalist minister John Murray. There she became part of the city's literary scene. Two of her plays were performed at Federal Street Theater, making her the first American woman to have a play produced in Boston. There as well she wrote and published her magnum opus, The Gleaner, a three-volume "miscellany" that included poems, essays, and the novel-like story "Margaretta." After 1800, Murray's output diminished and her hopes for literary renown faded. Suffering from the backlash against women's rights that had begun to permeate American society, struggling with economic difficulties, and concerned about providing the best possible education for her daughter, she devoted little time to writing. But while her efforts diminished, they never ceased. Murray was determined to transcend the boundaries that limited women of her era and worked tirelessly to have women granted the same right to the "pursuit of happiness" immortalized in the Declaration of Independence. She questioned the meaning of gender itself, emphasizing the human qualities men and women shared, arguing that the apparent distinctions were the consequence of nurture, not nature. Although she was disappointed in the results of her efforts, Murray nevertheless left a rich intellectual and literary legacy, in which she challenged the new nation to fulfill its promise of equality to all citizens.




Distinction: a Tale


Book Description




The Society of the Cincinnati


Book Description

In 1783, the officers of the Continental Army created the Society of the Cincinnati. This veterans’ organization was founded in order to preserve the memory of the revolutionary struggle and pursue the officers' common interest in outstanding pay and pensions. Henry Knox and Frederick Steuben were the society's chief organizers; George Washington himself served as president. Soon, however, a widely distributed pamphlet by Aedanus Burke of South Carolina accused the Society of conspiracy. According to Burke, the Society of the Cincinnati was nothing less than a hereditary nobility which would subvert American republicanism into aristocracy. Soon, more critics including John Adams and Elbridge Gerry joined the fray, claiming among other things that the Society was a secret government for the United States or a puppet of the French monarchy. While these accusations were unjustified, they played an important role in the difficult political debates of the 1780s, including the efforts to revise the Articles of Confederation. This books explores why a part of the revolutionary leadership accused another of subversion in the “critical period,” and how the political culture of the times predisposed many leading Americans to think of the Cincinnati as a conspiracy.







The Love of Romance - 50 Books in One Collection


Book Description

The Love of Romance - 50 Books in One Collection' traverses the vast and verdant landscapes of romantic literature, presenting an unparalleled anthology that celebrates the genre's multifaceted nature. Comprising a pantheon of literary titans such as Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë, and Leo Tolstoy, alongside the distinct voices of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Virginia Woolf, and E.M. Forster, this collection spans centuries, cultures, and literary movements. From the classical to the contemporary, the tragic to the comedic, it offers a compendium of styles and narratives, featuring standout pieces that have significantly influenced the genre of romance. This anthology is a testament to romance's enduring appeal and its capability to explore the depths of human emotion, societal norms, and the complexities of love and relationships. The contributing authors, hailing from diverse backgrounds and epochs, bring an array of perspectives and literary techniques to the theme of romance. Collectively, their works reflect the evolution of romantic literature, touching upon the ideals, challenges, and social contexts of their times. From the Regency elegance of Austen and the Brontës' gothic passion to the existential musings of Woolf and the jazz age disillusionment of Fitzgerald, these authors' contributions underline the thematic diversity and the dynamic evolution of romantic literature. Whether set against the backdrop of societal upheaval, the quest for personal identity, or the intricate dance of courtship and love, their narratives collectively offer a rich tapestry of the human experience. This anthology is an essential compendium for readers seeking to immerse themselves in the luxuriant world of romantic literature. Offering not just stories of love, but also windows into different eras and cultures, 'The Love of Romance - 50 Books in One Collection' curates a dialogue between the past and present, tradition and innovation. It is a journey that promises to enchant, educate, and inspire, making it an invaluable addition to the libraries of literary aficionados, scholars, and casual readers alike.













Classic Sermons on the Love of God


Book Description

Warren Wiersbe has compiled meaningful sermons from the church's great preachers in this topical series. Filled with illustrative materials for pastors. Also an excellent resource for personal devotions.