Summary

For general readers and students of literature, History in Literature is a concise guide to 20th century historical events, periods, movements, and figures and the ways they have been depicted in specific works of literature. The book is arranged A-to-Z by historical event, with an appendix at the end listing authors and literary works. Each entry provides a description of the historical topic, followed by a discussion of the literature it inspired. Major events, such as World War II, are subdivided and include cross-references to more specific entries. This valuable reference will help students and general readers understand the historical context of 20th-century literary works. It also allows readers to compare the factual details of an event, period, or life to its literary treatment and understand how to use history for literary purposes. Entries range from 250 to 1,000 words in length, and include suggestions for further reading. Works covered include those by authors studied at the high school and lower college level, such as Joseph Conrad, Ernest Hemingway, Theodore Drelser, Ralph Ellison, William Faulkner, Pearl Buck, and Jack London along with popular authors such as Don DeLillo, E. L. Doctorow, Carlos Fuentes, Nadine Gordimer, and others.