The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature

by Laurie E. Rozakis

Book Overview

A guide to American literature including a selection of the great American novels and poetry. The book features the contributions of Native, African, Jewish, Irish, Latin and other Americans, and comes with a glossary, timeline, who's who, reading lists, critical bibliographies and more.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0028633784
• ISBN13: 9780028633787
• Release Date: August 1999
• Publisher: Alpha Books
• Length: 468 Pages
• Weight: 1.86 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.5" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Easy to read and great for the CLEP

Based on recommendations here, I bought this book and used it over a period of 4 months to prepare for the American Literature CLEP. I found the book easy to read and would guess that it directly covers about 85% of what I saw. The book didn't cover a few authors and left out some of the works discussed but otherwise was right on target. In addition to the book, definitely study the playwrights (Tennessee Williams and Eugene O'Neill) as suggested by another reviewer. Also, the only chapter I didn't need was the one on Canadian authors. As a study guide, I used this book almost exclusively and wouldn't have had a chance without it. BTW, I scored a 72.

The only BOOK necessary to pass the American Lit CLEP!

I passed the American Lit CLEP yesterday with a score of 69...the test was easier than what I thought it would be. I ordered this book and the Barron's Study Keys (a complete waste of money) for test preparation. I found myself constantly referring back to this source over and over again as I studied. To prepare for the exam, I would suggest reading this book completely (except for the chapter concerning Canadian Literature). While reading, write down all of the authors and works mentioned. Take this information and look for online summaries (I liked sparknotes) of the works. This should prepare you to pass the exam with room to spare. I would also suggest examining some of the most popular American playwrights (O'Neill and Williams). The Complete Idiot's Guide does not provide much information on them, yet there were several questions on the actual test about them.

All you need for the CLEP test!!!!

I purchased this book in order to take the 6 credit CLEP test. It was very easy to read, gave me more than enough info, and was the only thing I needed to pass the CLEP (college test). I recommend this highly. I had also purchased the Barron's EZ study key which was a HUGE waste of money. So, save money and purchase this book alone. It will help you if you are in an American Lit course, taking a college credit test, or just wanting to read about American Lit for your own satisfaction.

All Educators NEED This Book!!

As a high school English teacher of American Literature, I find this book extremely valuable to review before introducing a new author or piece of literature. It is brief, informational and fun to read. It would be a great resource for any student, in high school or college, who wants to cover as much literature as possible. It does not replace reading the actual work, but it does offer highlights of authors, summaries of literature, terminology and definitions. It also covers each major American literary movement that makes up our nation's literary history, as well as many of the popular authors of that particular time. Anyone who teaches, writes or covers American Literature in any form, would benefit from having this book!

A fun way to learn about American Literature

The Idiot's Guide to American Literature has a refreshing way of delivering crucial American Literature information. This book gives information about American authors, in chronological order, as well as the era in which they lived, and key works the authors have written. The author gives amusing comments that will help a reader remember certain styles the authors use to create their works. Throughout the book glossary terms are explained, and interesting and fun information is shared about the author, the work, or the author's era. Exerts from authors' key works are also included. The book also has appendices that give additional resources, a list of each author's works, and a glossary. It is a perfect resource to include when studying for the American Literature CLEP examination. I started to use this book as a study aide, and it turned out to be a book I couldn't put down.