American Literature in Context to 1865 discusses the issues and events that engaged American writers of the period, providing original and useful readings of important literary works that demonstrate how context contributes to meaning * Covers a range of genres including the myths, chants and songs of indigenous cultures, sermons, slave narratives, essays and the novels and poetry to 1865 * Designed to be used alongside the major anthologies of literature from the period * Equips students with the necessary historical context needed to understand the writings from this period * Pedagogical features include a detailed bibliography, and a transatlantic timeline, with literary works, and historical events