The American Essay in the American Century

In modern culture, the essay is often considered an old-fashioned, unoriginal form of literary styling. This compelling, highly readable book illuminates the history of the American personal essay and reveals its significant role in twentieth-century cultural history. E. B. White's contributions to the tradition and American culture more generally are explored. This thoroughly researched volume dismisses, once and for all, the "death of the essay," proving that the essay will remain relevant for a very long time to come.