Widely acknowledged as a contemporary classic that has introduced thousands of readers to American literature, From Puritanism to Postmodernism charts the fascinating story of American literature from the Puritan legacy to the advent of postmodernism. From realism and romanticism to modernism and postmodernism it examines and reflects on the work of a rich panoply of writers. Characterised throughout by a vibrant and engaging style it is a superb introduction to American literature. A tour de force of both literary and historical writing, this Routledge Classics edition includes a new preface by co-author Richard Ruland and a new foreword by Linda Wagner-Martin.