Hans-Wolfgang Schaller The starting point of this volume is 19th-century American realism with two central lines of development: from realism to naturalism and the socially critical novel of our time, as well as the evolution from psychological realism through point-of-view and stream-of-consciousness novels to postmodern fragmentation. Review "[...] This volume offers a sophisticated and vivid representation of the American novel in the 20th century. Its strengths lie in concise arguments and clear linguistic presentation. These qualities make this volume a valuable resource for students." Archive for the Study of Modern Languages and Literatures, 152nd year, 237th volume, 2nd half-year volume 2000.