This volume examines the literature and culture of nineteenth-century America, covering genres such as the early American novel, realist fiction and historical romance, short stories and poetry, as well as key debates such as the American landscape, global identity, women's writing and the city, all set against the backdrop of revolution, independence, civil war and consolidation. Texts discussed include: The Scarlet Letter, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Leaves of Graves, The White Heron and selected slave narratives.