HISTORY OF AMERICAN LITERATURE 

BY REUBEN POST HALLECK, M.A.  (YALE)
AUTHOR OF "HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE" 

[Illustration: THE RETURN OF RIP VAN WINKLE] 

PREFACE 

The wide use of the author's _History of English Literature_, the favor
with which it has been received in all parts of the United States, and the
number of earnest requests for a _History of American Literature_ on the
same plan, have led to the writing of this book.  It has not appeared sooner
because the author has followed his rule of making a careful first-hand
study, not only of all the matter discussed, but also of a far greater
amount, which, although it must be omitted from a condensed textbook, is,
nevertheless, necessary as a background for judgment and selection. 

The following chapters describe the greatest achievements in American