Subject
United States -- Civilization Books
Best books
Mark Twain
Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences
"Fenimore Cooper's Literary Offences" by Mark Twain is an essay published in July 1895. Written as biting satire, it ruthlessly attacks the novels of James Fenimore Cooper, particularly his Leatherstocking Tales. Twain lists eighteen literary rules he claims Cooper violates, pointing to specific examples of bloated prose and careless craft. The essay showcases Twain's signature derisive humor while declaring Romantic literature dead in post-Civil War America. Critics remain divided—some call it hilarious, others argue Twain deliberately misread Cooper's work.
Unknown
Civilization in the United States: An inquiry by thirty Americans
"Civilization in the United States: An Inquiry by Thirty Americans" by Harold E. Stearns is a collection of critical essays written in the early 20th century. This work represents the collaborative effort of a group of American intellectuals who aimed to analyze and discuss the multifaceted aspects of modern American civilization through their unique perspectives. The book assesses significant themes such as the disconnection between ideals and practices in American life, the distinct cultural identity that goes beyond Anglo-Saxon roots, and the deep emotional and aesthetic hunger present in society. The opening of the work establishes the premise for a comprehensive inquiry into American civilization. The editor, Harold Stearns, emphasizes the collaborative nature of the project, having gathered thirty contributors to share their insights on various topics related to American society. The preface introduces the organizing principles behind the collection, such as the objective of avoiding irrelevant criticism and the commitment to being candid in their evaluations. Stearns expresses a belief that addressing the dichotomy between ideals and actual practices is essential for understanding the nation's cultural shortcomings, while also acknowledging the creative potential of America as it navigates its evolving identity.
Madison Grant
The Conquest of a Continent; or, The Expansion of Races in America
"The Conquest of a Continent; or, The Expansion of Races in America" by Madison Grant is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work examines the racial origins and influences that shaped American society, asserting the significance of Nordic heritage in the formation of the United States. Grant positions this exploration as a response to contemporary concerns about immigration and cultural homogeneity. At the start of the book, the author outlines significant shifts in American public sentiment regarding immigration, noting the change from a welcoming attitude toward diverse peoples to a more cautious and restrictive approach influenced by events such as World War I. He argues that the United States was originally dominated by a predominantly Anglo-Saxon and Nordic population and expresses concern over the growing diversity due to mass immigration. Grant sets the stage for a more detailed analysis of these racial dynamics, highlighting historical contributions and transformations that occurred as different groups settled in America, while suggesting that understanding these foundations is critical to comprehending the current state of the nation.
James F. (James Fullarton) Muirhead
The Land of Contrasts: A Briton's View of His American Kin
"The Land of Contrasts: A Briton's View of His American Kin" by James F. Muirhead is a personal account and exploration of American society, written in the late 19th century. The book shares the author's reflections from his travels across the United States, contrasting British customs with American practices. It aims to provide both an admiration and critique of American culture through specific observations, particularly in areas such as social dynamics, individual freedoms, and societal expectations. The opening of the book serves as an introduction to the author's perspective on America and its people. Muirhead reflects on the varied experiences of travelers in the United States, emphasizing that personal biases and expectations significantly influence their perception of the country. He stresses the importance of maintaining an open mind when encountering American society, which he describes as a landscape of contrasts, highlighting both the advantages and shortcomings of the American way of life. The introductory chapter establishes a foundation for the author's exploration of myriad topics, from social issues to cultural phenomena, all encapsulated in the theme of duality that defines America.
Arthur Bird
Looking forward : $b a dream of the United States of the Americas in 1999
"Looking Forward: A Dream of the United States of the Americas in 1999" by Arthur Bird is a political and speculative work likely written in the late 19th century. The text envisions a unified political entity, the United States of the Americas, which has come to fruition by the year 1999, encompassing all republics in the Western Hemisphere. The author expresses a firm belief in America’s manifest destiny to dominate the region under the guidance of its constitution and flag. The beginning of the work sets a tone of ambitious nationalism, as the author introduces a vision of America’s expansive future while invoking historical and mythical connections to its past. Through a blend of grandiose language and vivid imagery, Bird describes America, personified as a giant, embracing and uniting the smaller national entities in Latin America beneath its protective fold. The narrative establishes a context of national pride and patriotism, highlighting themes of unity, governance, and a future characterized by peace and civilization stemming from American influence and ideals. The chapters that follow promise to explore how this transformation unfolded, hinting at events and decisions that brought Central and South American countries into the fold of the newly conceived United States of the Americas.
Harry Perry Robinson
The Twentieth Century American Being a Comparative Study of the Peoples of the Two Great Anglo-Saxon Nations
"The Twentieth Century American" by H. Perry Robinson is a comparative study of the peoples of the United States and Great Britain written in the early 20th century. The text aims to promote a better understanding between these two Anglo-Saxon nations, exploring themes such as their shared history, cultural values, and political dynamics. Robinson, who has lived in the U.S. for nearly two decades, provides insights into the evolving relationship between both countries, particularly in light of changing global circumstances. At the start of the work, the author emphasizes the importance of reevaluating the historical principle of avoiding "entangling alliances." As America evolves into a world power, Robinson argues that such isolationist policies are impractical and potentially dangerous. He expresses optimism that an Anglo-American alliance could foster universal peace, drawing on the historical connections and mutual interests between the two nations. The opening sets the tone for a thoughtful consideration of political ideals and the responsibilities accompanying America’s emergence as a global power.
Eugene V. (Eugene Valentine) Brewster
What's What in America
"What's What in America" by Eugene V. Brewster is a critical examination of societal trends and superstitions written in the early 20th century. The work discusses a variety of cultural phenomena viewed through Brewster's lens of skepticism, exploring the nature of credulity, self-deception, and the beliefs that take root in the American consciousness, including health fads and pseudosciences. At the start of the book, Brewster presents a preface outlining the complexities of American identity, highlighting the paradox of being a diverse yet unified society. He posits that Americans are drawn to various unorganized 'isms', such as Christian Science and phrenology, suggesting these credulities are indicative of a deeper social disarray. He introduces the themes of the book, indicating a series of essays that will dissect these ideologies, addressing the interplay of superstition, belief in the supernatural, and the sometimes absurd popularity of certain fads in the quest for understanding and meaning within the rapidly changing landscape of American life at the time.
G. Lowes (Goldsworthy Lowes) Dickinson
Appearances: Being Notes of Travel
"Appearances: Being Notes of Travel" by G. Lowes Dickinson is a travelogue written in the early 20th century. The work reflects on Dickinson's observations and experiences during his travels through Eastern countries such as India and China, as well as his contrasting views on Western civilization. It seeks to explore cultural themes and the interactions between Eastern and Western societies, highlighting the author's contemplation on identity, colonialism, and the nature of civilization. The opening of the book introduces the author's philosophy on travel as a means of understanding different cultures. Dickinson expresses a candid awareness of the "system" that governs the actions and beliefs of English expatriates in India, revealing a critical stance towards the rigidity of colonial social structures. He observes interactions between his traveling companions and local populations, discussing the nature of English identity as perceived both by the English themselves and their foreign counterparts. By establishing a dialogue about culture, identity, and societal norms, Dickinson sets the tone for a thoughtful exploration of the profound differences he encounters in his travels.
Henry Van Dyke
The Spirit of America
"The Spirit of America" by Henry Van Dyke is a collection of lectures written in the early 20th century. Initially delivered at the University of Paris, these lectures aim to define and illuminate the essence of American identity, spirit, and democratic ideals, particularly focusing on the historical and cultural values that shape the United States. The book serves as an exploration of the unique characteristics that distinguish the American character and the societal principles that underpin its democracy. The opening of the book introduces Van Dyke as a thoughtful observer seeking to clarify the essential qualities of the American people's spirit. He discusses the deep-rooted connections between Americans and their historical lineage, arguing that the true essence of America lies not solely in its material achievements or diverse population but in the ideals of liberty, self-reliance, and fair play that have been passed down through generations. This foundational perspective sets the stage for a reflective investigation into how these principles have influenced American institutions, society, and literature throughout its history.
Douglas Woodruff
Plato's American Republic : $b Done out of the original
"Plato's American Republic" by Douglas Woodruff is a satirical philosophical dialogue written in the early 20th century. It stages Socrates and his companions debating the character of modern America, skewering its faith in Progress, mass opinion, industrialism, and reformist zeal. In playful Platonic fashion, the work takes aim at cars and commerce, Prohibition, politics, and higher education to question what a good life and a good polity require. The opening of the work places Socrates in “Athens, 1925,” where Agathon, Lysis, and Phaelon draw him into a comic-earnest inquiry sparked by an American who wants to buy the Parthenon. Agathon recounts Socrates’ disappointing U.S. lecture tour (outshone by Xantippe’s praise of American womanhood), which leads Socrates to dissect America’s worship of numbers and “Progress,” its fixation on automobiles, and the absurdities of parking and speed. The dialogue then widens to the Civil War’s legacy, the dominance of a vast federal machine, and the alliance of manufacturers and preachers (amplified by propaganda) in shaping “public opinion,” treated as a tyrant of souls. Socrates lampoons Prohibition as the product of that alliance (with women’s support), notes how it corrodes respect for law, and contrasts Ellis Island’s “undesirables” with the Statue of Liberty marooned offshore. Turning to education, he attacks swollen universities, fundraising presidents, timid faculties, and the cult of “facts” and experts, and proposes training a female guardian class to reorient the nation’s aims. The section closes with a plan to limit numbers and dethrone the card‑index mentality, all delivered in witty, Plato-like exchanges that mix satire with serious critique.
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