“It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore.”
Cite this quote
APA
Fuller, M. (n.d.). It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8588-it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-are/
MLA
Fuller, Margaret. “It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8588-it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-are/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.
Chicago
Fuller, Margaret. “It does not follow because many books are written by persons born in America that there exists an American literature. Books which imitate or represent the thoughts and life of Europe do not constitute an American literature. Before such can exist, an original idea must animate this nation and fresh currents of life must call into life fresh thoughts along the shore.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/8588-it-does-not-follow-because-many-books-are/.