The American Spirit in Literature, A Chronicle of Great Interpreters is a classic American literature history and criticism text by Bliss Perry. The United States of America has been from the beginning in a perpetual change. The physical and mental restlessness of the American and the temporary nature of many of his arrangements are largely due to the experimental character of the exploration and development of this continent. The new energies released by the settlement of the colonies were indeed guided by stern determination, wise forethought, and inventive skill; but no one has ever really known the outcome of the experiment. It is a story of faith, of Effort, and expectation, and desire, And something evermore about to be.