23 English eng Ceppi, Elisabeth Contributor <p>The article argues that early New England literature should be appreciated not only through modern critical theories but also for its literary, historical, and cultural value. Elisa New defends the writings of Puritan New England, suggesting that scholars have often focused too heavily on criticism and ideology while overlooking the richness and complexity of the texts themselves.&nbsp;New England's earliest literature deserves renewed attention because it helped shape American culture, language, and national identity. Rather than viewing these texts only as products of ideology, readers should recognize their artistic and intellectual achievements.<br></p> University of North Carolina Press 2015 pdf ISSN 0012-8163 American Literature New England beyond Criticism: In Defense of America's First Literature by Elisa New mixed material University of North Carolina Press