Our South: Geographic Fantasy and the Rise of National Literature

Our South offers a provocative new interpretation of the literature of the South within the literary and political history of the United States. The richly original central insight is Greeson’s claim that writings about the South have profoundly shaped American literature and culture. Yet, as she details, generations of literary scholars have ignored the South in constructing a national imaginary, and she’s critical of those northern writers who use the South as site of their imperialist visions. With clear critical readings of dozens of specific works, Greeson crucially shows how important region is to an understanding of American culture and identity.