Az Eszterházy Károly Tanárképző Főiskola Tudományos Közleményei. 2000. [Vol. 6.] Eger Journal of American Studies. (Acta Academiae Paedagogicae Agriensis : Nova series ; Tom. 26)

Book reviews - Lehel Vadon: László Országh—Zsolt Virágos: Az amerikai irodalom története (A History of American Literature.)

work's bibliographic value and high esteem in Hungarian cultural history. Since the author was requested by the Gondolat Publishing House to follow the form and size-related guidelines of its already released books focusing on Bulgarian, Czech, Slovakian, and classic Greek literary history, the form of Országh's work suggests that its primary aim is the education of the interested general public. While Országh's book successfully realizes the latter objective, the A History of American Literature as a pioneering effort bridging the gap in contemporary philological and literary studies goes far beyond a science propagation and popularization function. It is a synthesis of Professor Országh's scholarly efforts in literary history, a high standard work built on the solid foundation of the author's vast knowledge and extensive professional background. The clear, logical structuring of the accurate and scientifically sound content knowledge, the all inclusive and extensive bibliographic section, the deep and engaging portrayal of the careers of the leading literary figures and the thorough illustration of the respective social, cultural, and historical developments make Országh's work a truly outstanding scholarly achievement and the first and so far only Hungarian language survey of the three and a half century history of American literature. The author discusses the historical periods and the development of the American nation along with analyzing the economic and social forces impacting American literature in a vivid and enjoyable style. In describing the leading figures and achievements of American literature Országh testifies to the possession of a sensitive and sophisticated aesthetic taste as well. This work of Országh has always been considered an indispensable resource for researchers, college and university professors and students, in addition to appealing to the interested general public. Professor Péter Egri in a tribute to his Department Chair's achievements in literary history described the never fading, always current appeal of Országh's work with the following words: "Országh's A History of American Literature sparks both the interest of the reader and the professional researcher through its pioneering topic selection, summarizing capability, the involving description of respective literary trends, the content's solid foundation in history and cultural history along with its clear and lucid structure, in addition to 232