Although William Gilmore Simms is best known as a novelist, his total literary production is notable in all genres, if not always for its quality, certainly for its quantity. Recently scholars have begun to study Simms's poetry and short stories, but they have largely overlooked his literary and social theory and criticism. In part this is because Simms collected his essays only one time (1845) and that in midcareer. Even though he is not especially original in his criticism, a characteristic he shared with many better-known critics of his generation, he deserves a closer look for his prolific, consistent, and widely respected statements on literature as it reflects society.

Simms's best work as a literary critic, editor, and reviewer is supported by voracious reading from all periods in several languages. He was the author of extensive writings in other genres as well: drama, history, biography, and letters, in addition...