0_Apprentice
I've always been interested in American literature.  I find the culture and writing styles very different from other countries.  Are you knowledgeable in American literature?
1_Wizard
I know that it began in America as part of the broader tradition of English literature.  It is greatly influenced by English Literature.
0_Apprentice
For example, it's influenced by Shakespeare and various writers from his time?  If so, what is the difference between American literature and English literature?
1_Wizard
I believe it was very similar until the late 18th and early 19th centuries when the nation's first novels were published.  These writings were more unique for American Literature.
0_Apprentice
What were the novels called that were published?  I would be interested to read them to see what difference between the two.
1_Wizard
An early example from 1791 is William Hill Brown's "The Power of Sympathy" which is a love story between siblings that fall in love not knowing they are related.  Pretty controversial, right???