An American Procession

by Alfred Kazin

In this illuminating study of the "crucial century" (1830-1930), Alfred Kazin views the major figures in American writing, beginning when Ralph Waldo Emerson left the church and inspired a national literature on the basis of a religious revolution, and ending with the triumph of modernism - Eliot, Pound, Hemingway, Fitzgerald - and with the revelation after World War I of the "postponed power" of those who had been modern before their time: Henry Adams, Melville, Whitman, Dickinson.

Genres: Literary Criticism, Nonfiction

408 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Alfred Kazin (June 5, 1915 – June 5, 1998) was an American writer and literary critic, many of whose writings depicted the immigrant experience in early twentieth century America.

Kazin is regarded as one of "The New York Intellectuals", and like many other members of this group he was born in the Brownsville section of Brooklyn and attended the City College of New York. However, his politics were more moderate than most of the New York intellectuals, many of whom were socialists. He wrote out of a great passion-- or great disgust -- for what he was reading and embedded his opinions in a deep knowledge of history, both literary history and politics and culture. He was a friend of the political theorist Hannah Arendt. In 1996 he was awarded the first Truman Capote Lifetime Achievement Award for literary criticism.

His son is historian and Dissent co-editor Michael Kazin.

(from wikipedia.org)

Reviews

[Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A moving, indispensable overview of the major American writers from 1830 to 1930, from Hawthorne and Melville to Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Faulkner. I just adore Alfred Kazin, one of the greatest American critics. He illuminates these great writers with such a burning light of love, compassion, insight and intimacy that one can’t help running to the book shelf to crack open one’s Whitman, et. al., once again.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book for any true readers. I always enjoy books about authors but this was so much more. Very deep study of the authors of this time period. He could have spent less time with the poets but the others made up for having to read thru them. I found that I had to take my time, reading a chapter each day often going back to read over several times. will keep near by to glance back at from time to timed. Must look for more by this wonderful author.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, we had this book on the shelves forever...and I meant to read it. And I'm really glad I got to it. It's a fantastic overview of American literature 1830-1930--I know it doesn't sound fascinating, but Kazin in a phenomenal writer. I envy people who were his students. So if you're looking for an overview, this is it.

[Michael Steger]

Recently read Kazin's essay here on Hawthorne and Poe; captivating--Kazin writes with authority and verve