Title
Virgin Land: The American West as Symbol and Myth (Harvard Paperback, HP 21),Used
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The spell that the West has always exercised on the American people had its most intense impact on American literature and thought during the nineteenth century. Henry Nash Smith shows, with vast comprehension, the influence of the nineteenthcentury West in all its variety and strength, in special relation to social, economic, cultural, and political forces. He traces the myths and symbols of the Westward movement such as the general notion of a Westwardmoving Course of Empire, the Wild Western hero, the virtuous yeomanfarmerin such varied nineteenthcentury writings as Leaves of Grass, the great corpus of Dime Novels, and most notably, Frederick Jackson Turners The Frontier in American History. Moreover, he synthesizes the imaginative expression of Western myths and symbols in literature with their role in contemporary politics, economics, and society, embodied in such forms as the idea of Manifest Destiny, the conflict in the American mind between idealizations of primitivism on the one hand and of progress and civilization on the other, the Homestead Act of 1862, and publicland policy after the Civil War.The myths of the American West that found their expression in nineteenthcentury words and deeds remain a part of every Americans heritage, and Smith, with his insight into their power and significance, makes possible a critical appreciation of that heritage.
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- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: This book contains three hundred thirty-two pages. It offers an in-depth exploration of the American West's influence on literature and thought.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a paperback edition. This makes it lightweight and easy to carry.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures five point five one inches in length, zero point seven five inches in width, and eight point five inches in height.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Henry Nash Smith. He is known for his insights into American literature and culture.
- Q: What is the main theme of this book? A: The main theme explores the myths and symbols of the American West. It connects these themes to social, economic, and political forces.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic use? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic use. It provides comprehensive analysis and critical insights into American history and literature.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To care for this book, keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing it to direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Q: Can I return this book if I don't like it? A: Yes, you can return this book if you're not satisfied. Check the retailer's return policy for specific details.
- Q: Is this book appropriate for teenagers? A: Yes, this book is appropriate for teenagers. It presents historical themes that can enhance their understanding of American culture.
- Q: What if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the seller immediately. They will provide instructions for return or exchange.
- Q: Does this book discuss contemporary issues? A: Yes, it discusses the role of Western myths in contemporary politics and society. This adds relevance to its historical context.
- Q: How can I enhance my understanding of this book? A: To enhance your understanding, consider reading supplementary materials on American history. This will provide additional context.
- Q: Is this book a good resource for learning about Manifest Destiny? A: Yes, this book is an excellent resource for learning about Manifest Destiny. It connects this concept to the broader American narrative.
- Q: What literary works does the author reference? A: The author references works like Leaves of Grass and Dime Novels. These examples illustrate the myths of the West.
- Q: How does this book relate to the Homestead Act? A: This book relates to the Homestead Act by discussing its impact on American society. It explores how land policies shaped the West.
- Q: What makes this book unique? A: This book is unique due to its comprehensive analysis of the American West's myths. It connects literature with cultural and political themes.