"A collection of texts that represent the diverse literary cannon that colleges and universities collectively refer to as American Literature."

"This anthology of American Literatures Prior to 1865, is organized chronologically into four units, focusing on Colonial Literature, Literature of Native American Perspectives and Discovery, Literature of Nineteenth Century Reform, and Literature of the New Nation. "

"Featuring sixty-nine authors and full texts of their works, the selections in this open anthology represent the diverse voices in early American literature."