Willa Cather's elegiac tales of the pioneer experience on the American
frontier continue to captivate new generations of readers. Written
especially for students, this critical introduction offers insightful
yet accessible criticism of Cather's most widely read novels. The
volume covers such enduring works as Alexander's Bridge, O Pioneers!,
The Song of the Lark, My Antonia, The Professor's House, Death Comes
for the Archbishop, and Shadows on the Rock. Each chapter is devoted to
an individual novel and provides a full discussion of character
development, thematic concerns, and plot structure. The introduction to
each novel traces its genesis and its critical reception at the time of
publication. The historical context sections place Cather's vision of
the pioneer spirit and achievement within the context of a rapidly
changing America that was in the process of abandoning its traditional
values and thus risking its source of greatness. Students will find
this book a valuable guide to Cather's works.