Beneath the American Renaissance

The Subversive Imagination in the Age of Emerson and Melville

By: David S. Reynolds

Narrated by: John Lescault

The award-winning Beneath the American Renaissance is a classic work on American literature. It immeasurably broadens our knowledge of our most important literary period, as first identified by F.O. Matthiessen’s American Renaissance. With its combination of sharp critical insight, engaging observation, and narrative drive, it represents the kind of masterful cultural history for which David Reynolds is known. Here the major works of Emerson, Thoreau, Whitman, Poe, Hawthorne, Melville, and Dickinson receive striking, original readings set against the rich backdrop of contemporary popular writing. The volume includes a new foreword by historian Sean Wilentz that reveals the book’s impact and influence. A magisterial work of criticism and cultural history, Beneath the American Renaissance will fascinate anyone interested in the genesis of America’s most significant literary epoch and the iconic figures who defined it.

©2019 David S. Reynolds (P)2019 Blackstone Publishing

Brilliant history of 19th C American literature and its milieu

Great insights on the American Renaissance writers with reference to the popular culture that shaped their works.

Absolutely fantastic!

This is outstanding, and maybe underrated. I don't see much about this book. I keep listening to it, and will do more research in the future on who the writers are. meaning more about them. I've had this audio book for awhile, and a long time ago I bought a physical copy to read along, which I do sometimes. Actually maybe I got the physical copy first and was joyed when I found the audio, now I can't remember.

You know they make you write out a review if you want to put stars. I really don't have anything cogent to say.

Literary criticism taken to a higher level!

Uncovering hidden history, challenging academic orthodoxy, teaching about history. How is it, that I had never heard of "The Quaker City" before now?!