by Alfred Kazin
First published 1970
Alfred Kazin presents a curated collection that serves as an introduction to essay writing across multiple disciplines. The book functions as a teaching tool for literature courses examining the essay as a literary form. Kazin includes carefully crafted pieces that demonstrate the versatility of essay writing, moving from sociological analysis to psychological exploration. The collection also features personal memoir writing alongside broader cultural criticism. Each selection shows how writers can tackle different subjects while maintaining the essay's distinctive voice and structure. The book gives readers examples of how the essay form adapts to various topics and purposes, from intimate personal reflection to wide-ranging social commentary.
Genres: essays, literary-criticism, 20th-century, american, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: educational, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: academic, educational
Period: 20th-Century
420 pages · Paperback · HARCOURT, BRACE & WORLD