In the closing decade or two of the nineteenth century the work of a group of Southern writers led a distinguished critic to rank them as the most significant force in American letters.

Such a high valuation of the writers of the present day could hardly be made, but there is a much larger number than formerly whose work is acceptable.

Members of college faculties, and others, produce annually numerous books of solid worth in science, history, biography, economics, and sociology.

Volumes of recollections and reminiscences interesting to the student of the past appear, and much local and state history has been rescued from oblivion.
Some theological books are written, but there is little published on national questions.

The output of verse is small, and few essays are published.