The relatively unknown fictionist, John Fante (1909-83) compared with William Saroyan and considered a forerunner of the Beats depicted Italian American experience in conflict with Anglo culture in su
For most of the century "serious literature" has been sharply distinguished from "popular fiction," the former being characterized by its best examples, and the latter, unfortunately, by its worst. As
Offers a critical introduction to the life and work of a prolific American novelist, providing commentary on works that have yet to receive critical treatment, such as Brazil , and treating aspects o
Beginning with an introduction that examines the works and influence of the classical masters of science fiction and its development as an accepted literary genre, author Suzanne Reid in her new volum
Rather than presenting one monolithic view of Poe's storied and studied career, Peeples (English, College of Charleston) argues that Poe's writing offers itself to varied interpretations, and itself w
Ford (1944-) published his first novel, A Piece of My Heart in 1976, and since then has written several short-story collections and novels, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Independence Day . W
O'Dell (1898-1989) is best known as the author of historical fiction for children, beginning with his 1960 Island of the Blue Dolphins . Russell (languages and literature, Ferris State U., Michigan)
Best known as a novelist - especially for The Grapes of Wrath, his heartfelt portrayal of disenfranchised dustbowl farmers in the 1930s - John Steinbeck nonetheless devoted a good portion of his liter