Let's clear something up right away: this isn't a storybook. 'Contemporary American Literature' is a college textbook published in 1929. Its goal was to introduce students to the American authors that its editors, John Matthews Manly and Edith Rickert, believed were defining their era. The book is organized by genre—poetry, drama, fiction, essays—and gives overviews of major literary movements before diving into profiles of individual writers.

The Story

There isn't a plot in the traditional sense. The 'story' here is the argument the book makes. Manly and Rickert were building a canon. They presented writers like Edith Wharton, Sinclair Lewis, and Eugene O'Neill as the essential voices of their time. They also made choices that seem surprising now, giving significant space to authors who are largely forgotten. Reading it is like attending a lecture from 1929. You get their perspective on what mattered, what was innovative, and what they thought would last. The final chapter isn't a conclusion to a thriller, but a snapshot of a literary moment frozen right before the stock market crash.

Why You Should Read It

I found this book incredibly thought-provoking. It's a direct line to the literary tastes of a specific moment in history. You get to see the early reputation of giants like Hemingway (who was very much a contemporary 'new voice' then) and witness who else was sharing the stage. The book doesn't have the benefit of hindsight, which is what makes it so valuable. It shows the process of canon-making in real time. It also highlights the crucial work of Edith Rickert, a scholar whose contributions have often been overshadowed. Reading it feels like participating in a conversation across a century.

Final Verdict

This one is perfect for history buffs, literature nerds, and anyone curious about how cultural memory works. It's not a light beach read, but it's a rewarding experience if you're interested in American history or the life cycle of artistic reputation. You'll come away with a new understanding of the 1920s literary scene and a lot of questions about which of today's authors will make the cut for the textbooks of 2123.