Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature
In colonial America, tales about the capture of English settlers by Native American war parties and the captives' subsequent suffering and privations were wildly popular among readers. Despite their importance in the development of American literature, however, the origins of the captivity narrative have until now been largely unexplored.

In Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature, James Hartman uncovers the genesis of the captivity narrative in the English providence tale and its transformation in the seventeenth century. Exploring the cultural context in which both English providence tales and their American counterparts emerged—focusing in particular on the way in which the providence tale folded the religious spirit of inquiry and truth-seeking into the new science and empiricism of the seventeenth century—Hartman offers a provocative reassessment of the origins of American literature.

1100413883
Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature
In colonial America, tales about the capture of English settlers by Native American war parties and the captives' subsequent suffering and privations were wildly popular among readers. Despite their importance in the development of American literature, however, the origins of the captivity narrative have until now been largely unexplored.

In Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature, James Hartman uncovers the genesis of the captivity narrative in the English providence tale and its transformation in the seventeenth century. Exploring the cultural context in which both English providence tales and their American counterparts emerged—focusing in particular on the way in which the providence tale folded the religious spirit of inquiry and truth-seeking into the new science and empiricism of the seventeenth century—Hartman offers a provocative reassessment of the origins of American literature.

32.0 In Stock
Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature

Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature

by James D. Hartman
Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature

Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature

by James D. Hartman

Paperback(Revised ed.)

$32.00 
  • SHIP THIS ITEM
    In stock. Ships in 3-7 days. Typically arrives in 3 weeks.
  • PICK UP IN STORE

    Your local store may have stock of this item.

Related collections and offers


Overview

In colonial America, tales about the capture of English settlers by Native American war parties and the captives' subsequent suffering and privations were wildly popular among readers. Despite their importance in the development of American literature, however, the origins of the captivity narrative have until now been largely unexplored.

In Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature, James Hartman uncovers the genesis of the captivity narrative in the English providence tale and its transformation in the seventeenth century. Exploring the cultural context in which both English providence tales and their American counterparts emerged—focusing in particular on the way in which the providence tale folded the religious spirit of inquiry and truth-seeking into the new science and empiricism of the seventeenth century—Hartman offers a provocative reassessment of the origins of American literature.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780801872518
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Publication date: 01/15/2003
Edition description: Revised ed.
Pages: 216
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.47(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

James D. Hartman teaches English and humanities at the the DeVry Institute in Long Island City, New York.

What People are Saying About This

David S. Reynolds

Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature establishes James Hartman as an authority on an important American genre, the Indian captivity narrative, and on its importance for early American literature. Written with wonderful clarity and directness, the book reveals the roots of the captivity narrative in the style and themes of the English providence tale. Hartman's work nicely complements the largely gender- and race-based discussions of the captivity narrative that have recently proliferated.

David S. ReynoldsBaruch College and the City University of New York Graduate School, author of Beneath the American Renaissance and Walt Whitman's America

David S. ReynoldsBaruch College and the City University of New York Graduate School

Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature establishes James Hartman as an authority on an important American genre, the Indian captivity narrative, and on its importance for early American literature. Written with wonderful clarity and directness, the book reveals the roots of the captivity narrative in the style and themes of the English providence tale. Hartman's work nicely complements the largely gender- and race-based discussions of the captivity narrative that have recently proliferated.

David S. ReynoldsBaruch College and the City University of New York Graduate School, author of Beneath the American Renaissance and Walt Whitman's America

From the Publisher

Providence Tales and the Birth of American Literature establishes James Hartman as an authority on an important American genre, the Indian captivity narrative, and on its importance for early American literature. Written with wonderful clarity and directness, the book reveals the roots of the captivity narrative in the style and themes of the English providence tale. Hartman's work nicely complements the largely gender- and race-based discussions of the captivity narrative that have recently proliferated.
—David S. ReynoldsBaruch College and the City University of New York Graduate School, author of Beneath the American Renaissance and Walt Whitman's America

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews