The Development of the American Short Story

"The Development of the American Short Story" is a comprehensive historical and critical analysis of a uniquely American literary form. Written by Fred Lewis Pattee, often considered the first professor of American literature, this seminal study traces the evolution of the short story from its early roots in the works of Washington Irving to its peak in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Pattee examines the social, cultural, and artistic forces that shaped the genre, providing in-depth critiques of major figures such as Edgar Allan Poe, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Bret Harte, and O. Henry. The work explores how the short story became a vehicle for expressing American identity, local color, and psychological depth. By cataloging the technical shifts and thematic preoccupations of various eras, Pattee offers readers a thorough understanding of how the short story transitioned from simple sketches to complex, structured narratives.

This study remains an essential resource for students of American literature and literary history. It highlights the significance of the short story as a distinct art form and documents its rapid rise within the American publishing landscape. Pattee's scholarly approach combined with his engaging prose makes this a foundational text for anyone interested in the development of American prose fiction and the masters who defined its trajectory.

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