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Our literary heritage: A pictorial history of the writer in America
A Pictorial history of the writer in America, with more than 500 illustrations.
241 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 1977
About the author
Van Wyck Brooks
110 books11 followersVan Wyck Brooks was born in Plainfield, New Jersey, on February 16, 1886. His parents, Sally and Charles Brooks were well off, and as a result Van Wyck was able to get a good primary education. Van Wyck eventually ended up in Harvard University, from where he graduated in 1908.
Van Wyck Brooks became well known through his work as a literary critic, although he generally is not considered an author of literary works himself.
Brooks is also well known through his work as a historian of American literature during the 19th century, and he produced a series of studies, which were known and published as the “Makers and Finders” series.
One of his books, The Flowering of New England, won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1937.
Van Wyck Brooks became well known through his work as a literary critic, although he generally is not considered an author of literary works himself.
Brooks is also well known through his work as a historian of American literature during the 19th century, and he produced a series of studies, which were known and published as the “Makers and Finders” series.
One of his books, The Flowering of New England, won the Pulitzer Prize for history in 1937.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 10, 2025
“Should a poet apologize for the isolation that breeds Olympian thoughts? Pg. 64” ~Emerson
Our Literary Heritage by Van Wyck Brooks takes readers on a journey through American literature from 1800 to 1915, shining a spotlight on key writers and the literary movements that defined the nation's identity during this time. I was struck not only by how it broadened my understanding of American literature but also by how it reshaped my perception of how literature captures the essence of a nation.
Brooks weaves an impressive narrative that doesn't merely recount the lives of influential writers but also ties their works to the broader cultural and political landscape of America. He offers concise yet deeply engaging biographies of authors, many of whom were unknown to me. This exploration has sparked a desire to further investigate some of these writers in the future, enriching my own literary journey.
Brooks skillfully explored the evolution of literary trends in America. He demonstrated how American literature, while often overshadowed by European counterparts, made a significant impact on the world stage. I was under the impression that Europe was the dominant force in shaping global literature, but this book helped me realize how much influence American writers had in defining the literary world during this period.
“Shortly the flower must fall to the mould. He was an instance of the well known fact that when artists take to theorizing it is often because their creative power is gone.” Pg. 114 ~Melville
Brooks illustrated the diversity of American experience through the works of its writers. These authors, through their unique voices and perspectives, helped paint a complex and multifaceted portrait of a rapidly changing nation. In doing so, Brooks not only enlarged my view of the country but also deepened my appreciation for the ways in which literature can shape national identity.
Ultimately, Our Literary Heritage is both a pleasure to read and a valuable resource for anyone interested in American literature. It encourages readers to consider how the written word defines and reflects a nation’s culture, history, and values. For me, it has also sparked a renewed commitment to being a more thoughtful and careful architect of the written word.
“His contempt for the present grew with his love for the past. In the present he saw nothing and he wished to see nothing.” Pg. 154 ~Adams
Our Literary Heritage by Van Wyck Brooks takes readers on a journey through American literature from 1800 to 1915, shining a spotlight on key writers and the literary movements that defined the nation's identity during this time. I was struck not only by how it broadened my understanding of American literature but also by how it reshaped my perception of how literature captures the essence of a nation.
Brooks weaves an impressive narrative that doesn't merely recount the lives of influential writers but also ties their works to the broader cultural and political landscape of America. He offers concise yet deeply engaging biographies of authors, many of whom were unknown to me. This exploration has sparked a desire to further investigate some of these writers in the future, enriching my own literary journey.
Brooks skillfully explored the evolution of literary trends in America. He demonstrated how American literature, while often overshadowed by European counterparts, made a significant impact on the world stage. I was under the impression that Europe was the dominant force in shaping global literature, but this book helped me realize how much influence American writers had in defining the literary world during this period.
“Shortly the flower must fall to the mould. He was an instance of the well known fact that when artists take to theorizing it is often because their creative power is gone.” Pg. 114 ~Melville
Brooks illustrated the diversity of American experience through the works of its writers. These authors, through their unique voices and perspectives, helped paint a complex and multifaceted portrait of a rapidly changing nation. In doing so, Brooks not only enlarged my view of the country but also deepened my appreciation for the ways in which literature can shape national identity.
Ultimately, Our Literary Heritage is both a pleasure to read and a valuable resource for anyone interested in American literature. It encourages readers to consider how the written word defines and reflects a nation’s culture, history, and values. For me, it has also sparked a renewed commitment to being a more thoughtful and careful architect of the written word.
“His contempt for the present grew with his love for the past. In the present he saw nothing and he wished to see nothing.” Pg. 154 ~Adams
June 25, 2020
I quickly learned to relish reading this book. I took care in settling down in a comfortable place promising uninterrupted time to read, no, to study what I never learned in my so-called fine public school education. When a book expands my understanding, as well as my perception, of how literature explains our world I am appreciative. When a well written book is a sheer pleasure to read as well as to learn from I am in awe of the author. And then, when a book enlarges my view of how a country is defined by how authors depict it, in all its forms, I am determined to be a more attentive and careful architect of the written word myself. I loved this book and plan to pass it on to my sons and their grandchildren. Otherwise, they all will miss this valuable portal to a portion of America’s particular literary history and the ride it takes us on.
February 27, 2021
I found this to be an excellent resource. It was very well organized. It not only covered authors but also literary trends in America. The biographies were concise yet very interesting! I read of several authors that were unknown to me that I d like to read. This was a very informative and fun read!
August 24, 2022
In memory of the writer and illustrator, the same man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to Read
April 3, 2018 This is what I 'currently' read whenever I read anything "American".
It itself is NOT 'current' having been published in 1956 and reduced from
a series of 5 volumes to this single edition.
However, when it is ALL that you've got and when it comes with wonderful illustrations and photographs,
it is a consistent pleasure to refer to and to explore.
I'm currently using it for background while reading some short stories of Washington Irving.
And Book One is actually titled" The World of Washington Irving", so he DOES strike a figure.
Some of the headings in Book One apart from Irving himself are:
The Dutch Along the Hudson
James Fenimore Cooper
Later Knickerbockers
Frontier Life Contributes to National Literature
Edgar Allan Poe
William Cullen Bryant
Painters and Writers
Quite a small feast.
It itself is NOT 'current' having been published in 1956 and reduced from
a series of 5 volumes to this single edition.
However, when it is ALL that you've got and when it comes with wonderful illustrations and photographs,
it is a consistent pleasure to refer to and to explore.
I'm currently using it for background while reading some short stories of Washington Irving.
And Book One is actually titled" The World of Washington Irving", so he DOES strike a figure.
Some of the headings in Book One apart from Irving himself are:
The Dutch Along the Hudson
James Fenimore Cooper
Later Knickerbockers
Frontier Life Contributes to National Literature
Edgar Allan Poe
William Cullen Bryant
Painters and Writers
Quite a small feast.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews