First Thoughts

by Gelles, Edith B.

• ISBN13: 9780805716481
• ISBN10: 0805716483
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1998-01-01
• Publisher: Twayne Pub

Summary

Twayne's United States Authors, English Authors, and World Authors Series present concise critical introductions to great writers and their works.

Devoted to critical interpretation and discussion of an author's work, each study takes account of major literary trends and important scholarly contributions and provides new critical insights with an original point of view. An Authors Series volume addresses readers ranging from advanced high school students to university professors. The book suggests to the informed reader new ways of considering a writer's work.

Each volume features:

-- A critical, interpretive study and explication of the author's works

-- A brief biography of the author

-- An accessible chronology outlining the life, the work, and relevant historical context

-- Aids for further study: complete notes and references, a selected annotated bibliography and an index

-- A readable style presented in a manageable length

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	xi	(4)
Chronology	xv
THE EIGHTEENTH-CENTURY LETTER	3	(30)
Chapter One Introduction: Letters as Literature	3	(11)
Chapter Two "Remember the Ladies"	14	(19)
THE CONFIDENTIAL LETTER	33	(32)
Chapter Three Bonds of Friendship: The Correspondence of Abigail Adams and Mercy Otis Warren	33	(32)
THE TRAVEL LETTER	65	(58)
Chapter Four The Voyage	65	(14)
Chapter Five "In the Midst of the World in Solitude"	79	(17)
Chapter Six At the Court of St. James	96	(23)
Interlude	119	(4)
THE HISTORIC LETTER	123	(50)
Chapter Seven "Splendid Misery": Abigail Adams as First Lady	123	(43)
Chapter Eight End of the Story	166	(7)
Notes and References	173	(21)
Selected Bibliography	194	(9)
Index	203