This introduction to American literature and culture from 1900 to 1960 is organized around four major ideas about America: that is it "big", "new", "rich", and "free".

• Illustrates the artistic and social climate in the USA during this period.
• Juxtaposes discussion of history, popular culture, literature and other art forms in ways that foster discussion, questioning, and continued study.
• An appendix lists relevant primary and secondary works, including websites.
• An ideal supplement to primary texts taught in American literature courses.