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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.
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History in Literature A Reader’s Guide to 20th-Century History and the Literature It Inspired 8 History in Literature A Reader’s Guide to 20th-Century History and the Literature It Inspired 8 EDWARD QUINN History in Literature: A Reader’s Guide to 20th-Century History and the Literature It Inspired Copyright © 2004 by Edward Quinn All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Facts On File, Inc. 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Quinn, Edward. History in literature ; a reader’s guide to 20th-century history and the literature it inspired / Edward Quinn p. cm. ISBN 0-8160-4693-X (alk. paper) 1. Literature, Modern—20th century—History and criticism. 2. History, Modern—20th century—Chronology. 3. History in literature. I. Title. PN50.Q56 2003 809'.9335821—dc21 2003048546 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967-8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at http://www.factsonfile.com Text and cover design by Cathy Rincon Printed in the United States of America MP JT 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper. I wish to thank my four relief pitchers, Bill Herman, Len Kriegel, Karl Malkoff, and Art Waldhorn, who strode to the mound when the starter was tiring and threw nothing but strikes. Also, Barbara Malkoff, who read the manuscript with her customary care and enthusiasm; the staffs of the New York Public, Brooklyn Public, and City University Libraries; Earl Rovit, Leo Hamalian, and Pat Forrestal, who made some key recommendations; David Quinn and Jason Malkoff, who pulled me through more than one computer jam; and Barbara Gleason, for making it possible. I am particularly indebted to Anne Savarese and Jeff Soloway, editors at Facts On File, for their editorial wisdom and personal tact. CONTENTS Preface ix Entries by Contributors xiii HISTORY IN LITERATURE 1 Chronology of Entries 369 Index of Authors, Titles, and Entries 373 PREFACE H istory in Literature is a unique reference book that combines alphabetically arranged summaries of events or biographies of people important to 20t