This book considers the key literary, historical, cultural, and intellectual contexts of American women authors from the 17th century to the present, providing students with an analysis of the most up-to-date literary trends and debates in women’s literature.
This introduction delves behind the myth of the reclusive Emily Dickinson to present a poet who was deeply engaged with the issues of her day. Wendy Martin explores how Dickinson's personal struggles with love, faith, friendship and community shape her poetry.