Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction: Enthusiasm, event, literature -- An answer to the question: "What is enthusiasm?" -- Rites of dissent: literatures of enthusiasm and the American Revolution -- Shaking hands with the prophet: the War of 1812 and Native American enthusiasms -- The revival of revolt: conjure, slave insurrection, and the novel of enthusiasm -- The free state of Whitman: John Brown, the Civil War, and the dis-memberment of enthusiasm in the 1860 Leaves of grass -- Epilogue: the tramp and strike question: terminal enthusiasms.

"In this study of literature in antebellum America, John Mac Kilgore argues that a distinct rhetorical tradition of enthusiasm emerged as a form of political dissent. This was literature written to confront normative values, to respond to critical injustice, and to incite revolt, if not broad change. Literary enthusiasm came to signify a particular form of protest among marginalized groups, including commoners, slaves, immigrants, Native Americans, women, and abolitionists. These dissenting voices, these enthusiasts, fought against what they viewed as tyranny while using their writings to forge international or anti-nationalistic political affiliations"-- Provided by publisher.

Description based on print version record.