"The Genius of America" is a profound collection of essays exploring the cultural and intellectual foundations of the United States during the early twentieth century. Written by the influential critic Stuart P. Sherman, this work examines the essential qualities that define the American spirit, specifically addressing the intersection of democracy, literature, and tradition. Sherman delves into the complexities of national identity, offering a nuanced defense of American ideals against the rising tide of disillusionment following the Great War. The essays within this volume tackle diverse subjects, from the role of the intellectual in a democratic society to the enduring influence of Puritanism on the American character. Sherman argues for a balanced view of progress that respects historical roots while embracing the vitality of modern life. Through eloquent prose and sharp analysis, the work seeks to clarify what makes the American experiment unique and how its cultural life can be enriched. "The Genius of America" remains a significant contribution to the study of American civilization, providing valuable insights into the social and philosophical debates that shaped the nation's self-conception during a transformative era. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.