American Literary History

A project of Oxford University Press (see other related projects).

About

Recent Americanist scholarship has generated some of the most forceful responses to questions about literary history and theory. Yet too many of the most provocative essays have been scattered among a wide variety of narrowly focused publications. Covering the study of US literature from its origins through the present, American Literary History provides a much-needed forum for the various, often competing voices of contemporary literary inquiry.
Along with an annual special issue, the journal features essay-reviews, commentaries, and critical exchanges. It welcomes articles on historical and theoretical problems as well as writers and works. Inter-disciplinary studies from related fields are also invited.

Peer Review: This publication uses peer review for some or all submissions. Check for details.

Country of Publication & Year Established

United States

Established in 1989

Publication Media & Frequency

Electronic Publication Electronic Publication: Published 4 x per year
Print Publication Print Publication: Published 4 x per year

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Nonfiction Open

Audience:

Open to a broad Audience, including: Scholars.

Lengths:

Essay: No specific word count limits known.

Styles:

Academic, Critical.

Topics:

History: Topical history, See guidelines.
Literature/Books: Theory/Analysis/Criticism, See guidelines.
Other: May vary.

Payment:

No monetary payment No monetary payment.

Submissions:

Method: Submission manager.
Reprints: Reprints are NOT allowed.
Simultaneous submissions: Simultaneous submissions are NOT allowed.
Media: Text.

Always check guidelines for details and restrictions. If you aren't familiar with these terms, see our glossary.

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American Literary History Submission Statistics

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We have not received any submission reports for this listing in the past 12 months.

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Dates

Last Updated: 13 Jul 2026

For scholarly publications, we check their guidelines for changes twice a year, and we audit the listing once a year.