This incisive book traces the attack on American provincialism that ended the myth of the Happy Village. Replacing the idyllic life as a theme, American writers in revolt turned to a more realistic interpretation of the town, stressing its repressiveness, dullness, and conformity. This book analyzes the literary technique employed by these writers and explores their sensibilities to evaluate both their artistic accomplishments and their contributions to American thought and feeling.

Originally published 1969.

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