American Writers by John Neal

John Neal's "American Writers"

• Published in 1824-25, this work was the first history of American literature and the first substantial critical analysis of US authors.
• Written by John Neal, an American author and critic.
• Published in Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine.
• Neal penned the series using the English pseudonym "Carter Holmes."
• Examined over 120 authors, with some inaccuracies in his assertions.
• Criticized American literature for its reliance on British influences, arguing it lacked a unique voice.
• Received positive feedback in the UK but faced strong opposition in the USA, notably from William Lloyd Garrison.
• Neal's opinions, despite inaccuracies, have endured and resonate with later critics.
• Faced hostility in his hometown of Portland, Maine (1827), leading to a fight and relocation.
• Remained in Portland until his death 49 years later.

Volcanic Eruptions in Iceland

• A series of volcanic eruptions began in the Reykjanes Peninsula, near Grindavík, Iceland on December 18, 2023.
• Seven eruptions have occurred since the start.
• The eruptions followed an intense earthquake series in November 2023.
• The regional seismic and volcanic activity disrupted the western part of the peninsula, especially Grindavík.
• Iceland's Meteorological Office captured the initial eruption in the Sundhnúksgígar crater chain on December 18, 2023.