Discover the charming and historical world of childhood literature with Rosalie Vrylina Halsey’s "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery." This fascinating exploration delves into the evolution of American children's books from the colonial era to the early days of the Republic, revealing a collection of stories and illustrations that once captivated young readers. In "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery," Halsey presents a vivid picture of the changing landscape of children's literature, from the earliest coverless chap-books to the intricately bound volumes of the early nineteenth century. These books, with their varied and colorful bindings, reflect the rich cultural heritage and evolving tastes of American society over time. Ever wondered how children's literature evolved from simple chap-books to the beautifully bound stories of early America? Halsey’s book offers a unique glimpse into these forgotten treasures, highlighting the shift from humble beginnings to the more elaborate and cherished volumes that marked the growth of American nursery literature. What stories and illustrations shaped the imaginations of children in different eras? Explore this captivating collection to uncover the history and evolution of American children's books. Halsey’s insightful examination brings to light the enduring charm and historical significance of these literary gems, offering readers a deeper appreciation for the foundations of childhood reading. Ready to explore the literary past of American nursery books? Dive into "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery" and rediscover the stories that once enchanted young minds. Don’t miss the chance to connect with the roots of children's literature. Purchase "Forgotten Books of the American Nursery" today and embark on a journey through the cherished books of America’s early years.

This work argues that American literary scholarship enshrines a reactionary vision of history, of narrative, and of America itself. Carafiol examines the way idealist assumptions have been essential to doing American literary history and unwraps the implications of that symbiosis for current debates about the aims and methods of literary history in general. Carafiol directs his critique not only at traditional approaches to American literature but also at the most influential recent efforts by New Historicists and cultural critics to revise that tradition. Reconsidering the debate between ahistorical and historical models of literary study, he argues that works by such writers like Emerson and Thoreau subvert the claims of critics on both sides. Such writing is important, he proposes, not as timeless art or as social document, but as a voice that can speak powerfully in contemporary conversations, challenging literary critics in all fields to reconsider their critical assumptions and professional practices.

Covering the decades from the 1830s through the end of the century, as well as the eastern, southern, and western regions of the United States, these essays, by a diverse group of scholars, examine a variety of periodicals from the well-known Atlantic Monthly to small papers such as The National Era. They illustrate how literary analysis can be enriched by consideration of social history, publishing contexts, the literary marketplace, and the relationships between authors and editors.

Does heaven exist? If so, what is it like? And how does one get in? Throughout history, painters, poets, philosophers, pastors, and many ordinary people have pondered these questions. Perhaps no other topic captures the popular imagination quite like heaven. Gary Scott Smith examines how Americans from the Puritans to the present have imagined heaven. He argues that whether Americans have perceived heaven as reality or fantasy, as God's home or a human invention, as a source of inspiration and comfort or an opiate that distracts from earthly life, or as a place of worship or a perpetual playground has varied largely according to the spirit of the age. In the colonial era, conceptions of heaven focused primarily on the glory of God. For the Victorians, heaven was a warm, comfortable home where people would live forever with their family and friends. Today, heaven is often less distinctively Christian and more of a celestial entertainment center or a paradise where everyone can reach his full potential. Drawing on an astounding array of sources, including works of art, music, sociology, psychology, folklore, liturgy, sermons, poetry, fiction, jokes, and devotional books, Smith paints a sweeping, provocative portrait of what Americans-from Jonathan Edwards to Mitch Albom-have thought about heaven.