This book situates American literature from the Great Depression to the present day in its historical context

Explores the issues that engaged American writers from 1929 to the present
Draws on a range of documents from magazine and newspaper accounts to government reports and important non-fiction
The book covers political ferment of the 1930s; post-World War II anti-Communism; post-War affluence; suburbanization and demographic change; juvenile delinquency, mental illness and the perception of the U.S. as a "sick" society; and post-1965 immigration
Designed to be compatible with the major anthologies of literature from the period
Equips students and general readers with the necessary historical context needed to understand the writings from this period and provides original and useful readings that demonstrate how context contributes to meaning
Includes a historical timeline, featuring key literary works, American presidents, and historical events