Library of America OVERVIEW EDITIONS IN THE COMMUNITY IN THE CLASSROOM PEOPLE FAQS LOA Editions Collection of the New-York Historical Society. Digital image created by Oppenheimer Editions. 1 2 3 Ranging from poetry, novels, and stories to journalism and narrative history, from memoirs and speeches to noir, science fiction, and other genres, the more than 300 definitive volumes published by Library of America present a unique portrait of the American experience—one that is continually refined as each new entry enhances our sense of the whole. Many readers ask what criteria Library of America uses when selecting a writer or work for publication. The answer to this question is complex. LOA writers—whether playwrights or presidents, novelists or war reporters, essayists or art critics—are selected for their gifts of language and narrative, their unique contribution to our literature, and their enduring reflection of a significant moment in American history. “Perusing the Library of America is like crashing a time-traveler’s party where Thomas Jefferson is pouring wine for Ring Lardner and Susan Sontag is whispering in Frederick Douglass’ ear.”—NUVO, Indianapolis’s Alternative Newspaper From this expansive set of criteria, the Library of America series features essential writers such as Mark Twain, Herman Melville, Willa Cather, and Richard Wright along with folklorist Zora Neale Hurston; crime novelists Dashiell Hammett, Raymond Chandler, and Patricia Highsmith; and nature writers John Muir, John James Audubon, and William Bartram. Writers of the past stand with writers of today, acknowledged masters alongside those less well known. As a champion of all of the nation’s great writers and of timeless works both expected and surprising, Library of America celebrates the living tradition of classic writing and reflects the richness and range of the American literary canon. Scholarship Design and Production Unparalleled Value LOA volumes are printed on acid-free paper and feature Smyth-sewn bindings, handsome endpapers, and ribbon markers. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner, the editor of LOA’s Arthur Miller edition, is just one of the scholars and luminaries who curate our volumes. Never-published early works enhance LOA’s volume of writings and drawings by the incomparable humorist James Thurber. NEWS, VIEWS & EVENTS NEWS | IN THE COMMUNITY Library of America offers grants to libraries to celebrate African American poetry NEWS The long, hard-fought campaign that led to The Library of America’s founding NEWS What the National Endowment for the Humanities has meant for Library of America NEWS How a Library of America book is born Library of America CURATOR A champion of America’s great writers and timeless works, Library of America guides readers in finding and exploring the exceptional writing that reflects the nation’s history and culture. Learn More PUBLISHER From poetry, novels, and memoirs to journalism, crime writing, and science fiction, the more than 300 volumes published by Library of America are widely recognized as America’s literary canon. Browse our books Subscribe NON-PROFIT With contributions from donors, Library of America preserves and celebrates a vital part of our cultural heritage for generations to come. Support our mission Sign up for our newsletter, free Story of the Week, and more Save 10% on your first order by requesting a free catalog REQUEST CATALOG BOOKS Browse the Catalog LOA Series American Poets Project LOA eBook Classics Boxed Sets WRITERS Browse the Roster Writer of the Week NEWS & VIEWS News Influences Interviews Video Audio Story of the Week The Moviegoer In the Community ABOUT Mission LOA Editions LOA in the Community LOA in the Classroom People FAQs SUBSCRIBE Current Offers FAQs How it Works SUPPORT Annual Fund Project Support Guardians of American Letters Fellows of LOA Gift Sets Bequests Membership FOLLOW US Contact Us Rights & Permissions Customer Service Privacy Policy Media Inquiries © Literary Classics of the United States, Inc. Site by AREA 17