Larzer Ziff

A seminal work that focuses on what it means to be an 'All-American boy'? Not 'All American' in a sporting sense (i.e. All America team)but what are the types of boys who were presented through the juvenile literature of the day that encompass what it means to be an All American boy.
George Washington and the cherry tree? Honesty, courage, and obedience to the father who raised him. But as the nation grew and developed so did what the characteristics to be an All American boy.
Many famous names such as Nathaniel Hawthorne, Horatio Alger Jr and more are discussed to help us understand how the course of time and national events shaped America's changing viewpoint.
We also see many of the fictional boys that were prominent during each period of time. Tom Sawyer, Huck Finn, Peck's Bad Boy, Little Lord Fauntelroy ending with Frank Merriwell Jr of 1930 and 1940's
Also touched upon is the discovery of 'adolescence' and the development of that idea as children were no longer considered to be men at age 14 and entitled to the duties and priveleges thereto.
As America changed from a fledgling nation of mostly agriculture as the daily method of existence; through industrialization, Civil War and much more.
I found myself totally immersed in reading this book and outside a small acknowledgement to the academic language and writing style this book earns my highest reccomendation!… (meer)