Although admired by D. H. Lawrence, this modern classic went generally unnoticed during the years after its publication in 1925. Yet it is a fundamental book, essential if one proposes to come to terms with American literature (His treatment is free and episodic, beginning with the Vikings and ending with Abraham Lincoln. (Daniel J. Boorstin, author ofIt is ever more apparent that Williams is this centurys major American poet. (A new edition of William Carlos Williams loving and groundbreaking book about American history, with a new introduction by Rick Moody.