'Desirée Henderson's Grief and Genre in American Literature, 1790-1870 presents a series of lucid and carefully crafted case studies of the intersection of mourning and genre in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American literary texts. While drawing intelligently on non-literary materials, such as nineteenth-century mourners manuals and the history and design of cemeteries and public monuments, each chapter ultimately results in novel ... Read moreand compelling close readings of key literary texts. A must read for scholars and teachers of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century American literature.' Melissa J. Homestead, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, USA 'Using literary terminology to describe cultural phenomena, Henderson cleverly allows herself to interpret them as if they were works of literature. She chooses apt examples of many so-called genres and then provides what amounts to a New Critical explication de texte for each.' Notes and Queries 'Henderson’s well researched, clearly written work is rich with information and includes an afterword on the modern genres of grief, 11 black and white illustrations, a 21-page bibliography, and an index.' Emily Dickinson International Society Bulletin Show Less