"Fictions of America is absolutely essential; what a transformative reading experience. My first reaction upon finishing it: if only I had this extraordinary volume when I was younger. Second reaction: I am so grateful to have it now." -Junot Díaz, Pulitzer-prize winning author of The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao

"In Baer and Dayal's remarkable new volume...we see collected together for the first time the initial offerings of some of the country's most significant writers. The ensemble reminds us that, our many differences notwithstanding, we are all continually striving, experimenting, smashing shibboleths, and waiting for yet another fresh voice and pioneering talent to make itself known." -Robert F. Reid-Pharr, Harvard University, author of Archives of Flesh: Spain, African America, and Post-Humanist Critique

"Gathers a fascinating series of texts, some familiar, many not, that does nothing less than uncover a new American literature. This anthology of new beginnings, spanning four centuries, with a superb introduction by the editors, will be essential and eye-opening to students and scholars alike." -Ross Posnock, Anna S. Garbedian Professor of the Humanities, Columbia University

"Representing a multiplicity of perspectives....this collection is an important chronicle of our complex and varied literary history." -Wendy Martin, Professor of American Literature & American Studies, Claremont Graduate University

"Here is a rich volume....that will be edifying to students, teachers, and aficionados of the long and turbulent history of American literature." -Peter Coviello, Professor of English, University of Illinois at Chicago

"Assembles a useable past for those seeking to re-envision what constitutes belonging and affiliation in American literature and culture." -Crystal Parikh, Professor of Social & Cultural Analysis and English; Director, Asian/Pacific/American Institute, New York University

"No understanding of the literary origins of the United States or its many peoples will look the same after you read this feast of literary firsts....Now, for the first time, we can read these firsts together and see a history of the United States no other book made available before. This book of firsts from the American past points the way to a new American future." -Robert Dale Parker, Frank Hodgins Professor of English, University of Illinois

"Disrupts a canon steeped in Euro-centered patriarchy and uncovers the vibrant diversity of our literary heritage. A refreshing and overdue intervention." -Pamela Newkirk, author of Diversity Inc.: The Failed Promise of a Billion-Dollar Business

"This shrewdly edited collection surprises at every turn. Focusing our attention on firsts, it introduces writers that have been overlooked by standard anthologies. At the same time, it changes our sense of chronology, giving us an American literature that is as unruly as it is vital." -Martin Puchner, Harvard University, author of The Written World: The Power of Stories to shape People, History, and Civilization