To understand some of the challenges faced by early 19th century American authors, read:
"The Three Matters of American Romance," from Carl Van Doren's The American Novel, 1921.
The Early American Novel: Introductory Notes by Donna M. Campbell, Gonzaga University
To understand some of the types and conventions of early 19th century literature, read:
Domestic or Sentimental Fiction, 1820-1860 defined by Donna M. Campbell, Gonzaga University. See also: Gothic, Novel, and Romance: Brief Definitions
Gothic Undercurrents at American Passages, a Literary Survey
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