Based on an analysis of Sherwood Anderson’s letters, this study explores the novelist’s principal inspiration during his final years (1938–1941): his exposure to Latin America.
Thematically arranged correspondence traces his positive reception in South America—a place he saw as a source of fresh ideas and publishing opportunities—his desire to promote cultural relations between the two Americas, and his legacy among Spanish-speaking readers. The author discusses the political and economic climates of mid–20th century South American nations, their emerging liberal ideologies and the concerns Latin American readers had regarding societal upheaval, urbanization and the inequities of capitalism—all vividly depicted in Anderson’s works.

Celia Catalina Esplugas is a professor emerita of West Chester University of Pennsylvania.

Edited and with Commentary by Celia Catalina Esplugas
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 202
Bibliographic Info: 14 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2017
pISBN: 978-1-4766-6914-4
eISBN: 978-1-4766-3085-4
Imprint: McFarland

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments viii
Preface 1
A Note on the Editing 4
Introduction 6
Chapter 1—Anderson’s Interest in Latin America 13
Chapter 2—Anderson’s International Renown: Translations and Publications 53
Chapter 3—Preparations for His South American Trip 83
Chapter 4—The Unexpected: His Death and Legacy 136
Appendix 153
Chapter Notes 166
Works Cited 185
Index 189