Includes bibliographical references (p. 152-158) and index.
Contents:
Introduction : American autobiography -- Exemplary subjects. Spiritual, secular and enslaved selves ; (Un)Representative selves -- Contemporary subjects. Relating ethics to genre ; Gender, illness and autobiography.
Summary:
"Introduction to the major forms of autobiographical writing in America and important current developments in autobiography studies discusses both 'canonised' texts and those from contemporary writers. Taking a broadly chronological approach, the history of American autobiography is explored including the social and cultural factors that might account for the importance of autobiography in American culture. Then post-1970 autobiographies are examined, taking into account the development in poststructuralism from this time that affected notions of the subject who could write, and conceptions of truth, identity and reference"--Publisher's website.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.