The Politically Incorrect Guides series is a fun and educational look at different subjects that have been whitewashed into PC-nothingness at high schools and colleges across the country. The latest installment is English and American Literature, and it sets out to prove to its readers that, among other things, "Most great literature was, in fact, written by dead white males," Jane Austen was a fan of "the patriarchy," not oppressed by it, and "most great writers have been conservatives, if not reactionaries."

The book is divided into three major sections, "What They Don't Want You to Learn...," which goes through English and American Lit in chronological fashion, "Why They Don't Want You to Learn...," which details how bad most English Departments at universities really are, and "How You Can Teach Yourself..." which has a short guide to basic, "theory-free" lit analysis.

I very much enjoyed the book, and definitely have some books to add to my wish list. The book points out some interesting things about various authors, like that Charles Dickens was lampooning bleeding-hearts and their methods as much as the oppressors of children.

I especially enjoyed the sections on the Romantics, and the 'Moderns,' which includes a passage detailing how many of Oscar Wilde's confederates later found religion, and another one on T.S. Eliot pre- and post-Christian conversion. That is the real strength of the book, putting literature in the context of its times and its author.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves books and reading, especially anyone who wants to learn more about works in the "Pantheon" of great English language lit.

Posted by Ryan S. on Wednesday, November 15, 2006 at 11:18 AM | Permalink |