Islamic Literacy in Early America: Muslim Sources of U.S. Authorship

FAIN: FA-57571-14

Jeffrey Einboden
Northern Illinois University (DeKalb, IL 60115-2828)

Uncovering Islam's formative impact on the nation's literature, this project traces covert genealogies of Arabic and Persian influence, extending from Revolutionary beginnings to the Civil War. Complementing NEH's Bridging Cultures initiative, this monograph excavates portraits of our most iconic authors, while also giving voice to unknown Muslim writings penned in the young republic. During the proposed year of work, the author will complete archival research for this book and develop a polished typescript. Two months of targeted library visits will allow for the remainder of the award period to be reserved for textual analysis, translation, and core writing.

Media Coverage

Review of "The Islamic Lineage of American Literary Culture" (Review)
Author(s): H. Bahri
Publication: Choice: Current Reviews for Academic Libraries
Date: 5/1/2017
Abstract: Positive review of my "The Islamic Lineage of American Literary Culture" (Oxford UP, 2016), concluding: "this book is enormously relevant and timely, and it will serve as a formidable source not only for scholars of literature but also for those interested in linguistics, religion, cultural studies, and history." My book was subsequently named a "CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title for 2017".

Associated Products

The Islamic Lineage of American Literary Culture. Muslim Sources from the Revolution to Reconstruction (Book)
Title: The Islamic Lineage of American Literary Culture. Muslim Sources from the Revolution to Reconstruction
Author: Jeffrey Einboden
Abstract: Uncovering Islam's little known yet formative impact on U.S. literary culture, this book traces genealogies of Islamic influence that span America's earliest generations, reaching from the Revolution to Reconstruction. Excavating personal appeals to Islam by pioneering national authors - Ezra Stiles, William Bentley, Washington Irving, Lydia Maria Child, Ralph Waldo Emerson - Einboden discovers Muslim discourse woven into the familiar fabric of unpublished letters and sermons, journals and journalism, memoirs and marginalia.
Year: 2016
Primary URL: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-islamic-lineage-of-american-literary-culture-9780199397808?cc=us&lang=en&
Primary URL Description: Oxford University Press website for the The Islamic Lineage of American Literary Culture. Muslim Sources from the Revolution to Reconstruction
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Type: Single author monograph
ISBN: 9780199397808
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

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