Contemporary American Novelists (1900-1920)

"Contemporary American Novelists (1900-1920)" by Carl Van Doren, written in the early 1920s, explores the progression of American novels from 1900 to 1920. The work analyzes significant writers and the trends that marked this era, emphasizing the impact of literary movements like naturalism on their work. Van Doren looks at how these novelists developed different character styles and explored key themes, influenced by societal changes and the evolving world of American literature. Setting the stage for a deeper look at the literary styles and movements that influenced American fiction, the book contrasts older "local color" writing with the rise of naturalism, which affected authors like Hamlin Garland and Upton Sinclair. Van Doren suggests that old literary rules weren't enough to capture the changes in society, pushing writers to confront human experiences more directly, highlighting the innovations and lasting traditions in American literature.