The Routledge Introduction to American War Literature

Reviews / Votes

"Jennifer Haytock writes in her introduction: 'A good reader of any literature asks questions. A good reader of American war literature may come away with some uncomfortable answers but, hopefully, with a greater knowledge of how writers have approached one of the most compelling and consequential of human experiences.' In this accessible, clearly written volume, Haytock examines how American writers have used fiction, non-fiction, drama, and poetry to grapple with the central issues of war: combat, killing, and the profound impact all of this has on soldiers who survive. She also offers insights regarding the complex intersections of race, gender, and war, as well as examines literature produced "behind the front lines" by those who did not engage directly in combat. Moreover, this comprehensive historical survey of American war literature, which begins with this nation's earliest wars and concludes with wars fought in the 21st century, allows Haytock to trace both continuities as well as significant shifts over time. A valuable, insightful resource for professors and students alike interested in reading war literature and grappling with challenging questions."

-- Bryan Trabold, Associate Professor at Suffolk University

"Jennifer Haytock's Routledge Introduction to American War Literature is the best single-author overview I have ever read on this enormous subject, ranging from the Atlantic Contact Era, the Forest Wars of the colonies, and the American Revolution, through the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and the Desert Wars of the late 20th and early 21st century. The introductory essay defining the topic is in its own right a tour de force, useful to both the general reader and the literary specialist. The individual chapters elaborate clearly and commandingly on the main premises of argument. The text is intelligent and insightful throughout, with extended discussions of both major and lesser-known texts (a recurrent and interesting feature) augmented through enlightening overviews of popular reception and critical history. I also commend especially Haytock's work on the literatures of early American warfare and also on the war literature of the post-Vietnam War era, two areas of original and important contribution on the author's part."

-- Philip D. Beidler, Margaret and William Going Professor of English, University of Alabama.