American Literature (Barron's Easy 101 Study Keys)

When I decided that I would take the American Literature CLEP exam, I chose this book to study with. I had had some previous success with Barron's on the English Literature exam, so I knew that it would provide me with a solid foundation. What I didn't expect was the score I got on my American Lit exam---70 out of 80 points (the equivalent of a solid A or a score in the mid-range of the 90's in a standard grading system).This book covers all the major (and quite a few minor) authors and poets and goes over their works and themes in a very concentrated format--no fluff writing here. One word of warning/advice:The CLEP does ask some detailed questions about some of the works that can only be answered if you have read the works themselves. Can you pass the CLEP without having read the works? Yes. If you want a high score though, you really should have a working knowledge of some of the great works (like Tom Sawyer/Huck Finn, The Great Gatsby, etc).

As an English professor, I am always curious about the accuracy and comprehensiveness of such products. I have to say that I really like this one. It is very clearly laid out and all authors and literary movements are put into their proper contexts. It is not for deep study of course (as some authors are not represented and some works of the authors present that are of significance are missing), but if you want a quick, general overview, this is the study notes guide for you. I liked it.

Easily passed CLEP American Literature: I bought this as a complement to "The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature;&#34 it gives nice concise information that can be used to further condense the Idiot's guide. Then I made a list of all the authors, and their major works, in each of the above mentioned books, and then hit the CliffsNotes and SparkNotes - to read the plot summaries.

A nice compliment to The Complete Idiot's Guide to American Literature.

I purchased this book to study for the Praxis exam in Literature and Composition. This really helped and I passed the test. I live in Indiana and the Praxis II test in the content area is required. This is a couple of other books I ordered from Amazon really helped. The book covered many of the items on the test.

This book is an excellent source for American literature teachers. It consists of a series of concise outlines for American literary works from the Puritans to the Modernists. I will be teaching American literature this fall. It has been a few years since I taught a survey of U.S. literature, so this is a welcome addition to my library.

I took the American Literature CLEP test, and this little book had everything I needed to get a good score on the test. It's definitely worth it to get it - it's a quick read, without fluff - just straight to the facts. If you are looking for a compact guide to American Literature - this book will do it for you wonderfully!

(What makes this review hidden? What is sensitive about it?)Outstanding information provided.