History in Literature: A Reader's Guide to 20th-Century History and the Literature it Inspired - Softcover

As one would expect, writers are influenced by their exposure to the major ideas, events and people of their lifetime as well as by history. To whatever degree they may embrace or, alternatively, attempt to hide from what happens in the world around them, writers work in the context of their time and their books reflect much about society and the spirit of the day. "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. This reference help readers to understand the historical context of 20th-century literary works. Arranged A-Z by historical event, the book allows readers to compare the factual details of an event, period or life to the literary treatment and understand how history is used for literary purposes. 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. Entries range from 250 to 1000 words in length and include suggestions for further reading. An appendix at the end of the volume gives a chronology of all the events and literary works. Works by authors such as Joseph Conrad, Ernest Hemmingway, Sinclair Lewis, Thomas Mann, George Orwell and John Steinbeck, along with popular authors such as Don DeLillo, E.L. Doctorow, Carlos Fuentes and Nadine Gordimer are included.

Edward Quinn is a professor emeritus of English at City College of New York.