On the Modern Literary Origins of American Fantasy

Abstract

American fantasy, a genre of popular fiction born in the early 20th century, initially emerged under the impact of British fantasy. It continuously expanded its writing boundaries and forms of expression through the convergence with American popular culture and popular art, ultimately forming a more diverse and comprehensive system of fantasy with American national characteristics. In the process of the emergence and development of American fantasy, modern novels of different genres and countries exerted the most direct influence on American fantasy writers, and had a profound impact on the final shaping and prosperity of modern American fantasy.