This collection of essays offers a variety of perspectives and approaches to problematic issues in American literature and culture,such as myth,race and gender politics,imagery and iconography,national indentity and ideology.Yet,by raising overlapping issues,the seemingly diverse essays constitute an interesting "patchwork".All the authors have taught various courses in American Studies at Sofia University.The collection will angage students,specialists,and all who are interested in studying American literature in intellectual and cultural context.Essays in American literature can be used by students and teachers to facilitate discussion in Amerikan literature classes.