A Tissue of Lies: John Neal & the First History of American Literature

John Neal was a force to be reckoned with. This larger-than-life American writer was determined to prove to British readers in the 1820s that American literature was worth their time. So, he went undercover, publishing a series of articles in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine under a pseudonym.

This series, American Writers, is now considered the first history of American literature. Neal brought no notes or books with him, relying completely on memory when discussing over 120 authors. The result? A mix of sharp criticism, insightful commentary, and some completely inaccurate claims that British publications repeated as fact.

Find out how this controversial work cemented Neal’s place in literary history, influenced authors like Edgar Allan Poe, and sparked outrage from some of America’s most prominent publications.

Read the full Wiki article here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Writers

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