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Great American Authors: Since 1650

Great American Authors: Since 1650

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Hosted by Jane Kaczmarek, this series presents the rich, literary tradition of American storytelling. No country has produced a more impressive group of writers in a shorter period of time than America. It has been an incredible journey of finding the nation's voice, beginning with the first colonists in the 17th century, to a small cadre of brilliant 19th century New England writers who defined the unique American experience and soul. The voice continued into the 20th Century, when the whole country began speaking out against war, poverty, racism and alienation. Featuring such greats as Poe, Dickinson, Twain, Alcott, Hemingway, Wolfe, Steinbeck, Vonnegut, and Morrison. Authors are presented in concise, stand-alone clips, in chronological order.

Person wearing a sun hat surrounded by tall plants in a garden setting. Caption. Life in New England was simple and rewarding.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 1
27 minutes 57 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Low shot looking up at the branches of tall trees as light filters through the leaves. Caption. Thoreau maintained his life on Walden Pond.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 2
29 minutes 34 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white illustration of Louisa May Alcott reading from a book to a room of young girls looking up at her with attentive expressions. Caption. Louisa May Alcott was born on November 29, 1832.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 3
26 minutes 17 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white image of a college campus with an overlay portrait photo of William Carlos Williams. Caption. The University of Pennsylvania medical school.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 4
28 minutes 25 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white portrait of Thomas Wolfe wearing a white collared shirt, dark necktie, and suspenders. He's looking at camera with a serious expression. Caption. Some of the greatest American literature ever written.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 5
29 minutes 20 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white photo of Ernest Hemingway crouching down and holding 2 pairs of antelope antlers. Caption. To become involved in.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 6
29 minutes 6 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white photo of a busy city street with trains, trolleys, and fifties-era cars. Caption. Brooks moved with her family to Chicago at an early age.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 7
28 minutes 33 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12
Black and white photo of Lorraine Hansberry's parents posing next to a piano. Caption. Her parents were intellectuals and activists.
Great American Authors: Since 1650
Season 0 / Ep 8
28 minutes 58 seconds
Grade Level: 9 - 12