It is canonical as a cultural text, rather than a purely literary one, as this Norton Critical Edition reflects. An extensive "Contexts" section includes maps, photographs, and documents showing how and why Alger used the backdrop of New York City to highlight problems of urban poverty, immigration, and child labor in mid-nineteenth century America. "Criticism" is thematically organized around contemporary reviews and responses, the heated public debate about whether Alger should be available in American public libraries, parodies of and related responses to Alger, and four recent critical essays by Mary Wroth Walsh, Glenn Hendler, Michael Moon, and Hildegard Hoeller.
- ISBN10 0393925897
- ISBN13 9780393925890
- Publish Date 14 December 2007
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint WW Norton & Co
- Edition Critical edition
- Format Paperback
- Pages 304
- Language English