American Writers: The First Big Book About US Stories!

Published in five installments between September 1824 and February 1825 in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, John Neal's 'American Writers' stands as a landmark achievement: the first comprehensive critical history of American literature. Written entirely from memory, this extensive work covered at least 120 authors, aiming to establish a distinct American literary identity separate from British influence. Neal's ambition was to foster a unique American voice, challenging the perceived subservience to British literary traditions.

He argued that American literature had failed to develop its own distinct character, relying too heavily on European precedent. This critical stance, while sometimes leading to factual inaccuracies due to the lack of reference materials, was revolutionary for its time, initiating a discourse on what constituted American literature and who its key figures were. The work's very existence marked a pivotal moment in the self-awareness of American letters.

Neal penned 'American Writers' while living in London from 1824 to 1827, a period he dedicated to elevating American literary standing. His move from Baltimore was strategic, intended to position himself as a leading literary figure and to counter British condescension towards American culture. He achieved early success as the first American published in a British literary journal, with 'American Writers' being his most enduring contribution to UK periodicals.

Though he used an English pseudonym, his American authorship was likely apparent to his British audience. The work garnered positive reception in the UK, influencing some critics who adopted his analyses, even his errors. This transatlantic dialogue highlights Neal's role as an early cultural ambassador, advocating for American literary merit on an international stage and demonstrating the growing confidence of American writers.

Despite its factual limitations, 'American Writers' possesses remarkable staying power. Neal's critical opinions resonated through subsequent decades, influencing later literary figures. Scholars note that his theories on poetry and prose anticipated and likely shaped the critical frameworks of Edgar Allan Poe and Walt Whitman.

Neal's insistence that American literature needed to break free from British models and forge its own path was a prescient argument. His dual approach-offering sharp criticism while cautioning against unearned praise that could stifle growth-provided a nuanced model for literary evaluation. Poe's later essays, for instance, reflect a similar critical rigor and concern for developing a truly independent American literary voice, demonstrating the long-term impact of Neal's foundational arguments.

Upon his return to the United States, Neal faced significant backlash for his critiques. Journalists like William Lloyd Garrison vehemently opposed his assessments, and Neal encountered public hostility in his hometown of Portland, Maine, even engaging in a physical altercation. Undeterred, Neal remained in Portland for the remaining forty-nine years of his life, a testament to his conviction.

The controversy surrounding 'American Writers' underscores the sensitivity and nascent state of American literary identity at the time. It wasn't until 1937, decades after his death, that Fred Lewis Pattee first collected and republished 'American Writers' as a singular volume. This 1937 edition remains the most accessible version, ensuring that Neal's pioneering, albeit imperfect, contribution to American literary history continues to be studied and appreciated.