Published in 1817, John Neal's "Keep Cool" emerged during a critical period of American national self-definition following the War of 1812. This three-volume novel is historically significant not primarily for its literary merit, which was often debated and criticized, but for its bold and unapologetic advocacy for a uniquely American literary voice. Neal, a passionate young writer, sought to challenge the pervasive deference to European, particularly British, literary standards, urging his compatriots to embrace their own cultural identity. It reflects a burgeoning sense of nationalism and the intellectual struggle to forge an independent cultural identity commensurate with the nation's political autonomy, marking an early, energetic attempt to define American letters.
What it is
"Keep Cool" is a sprawling, didactic novel that primarily functions as a vehicle for John Neal’s ideas on American literary and cultural independence. Although it possesses a narrative structure, complete with characters and a plot that often satirizes contemporary society and its foibles, its true essence lies in its vigorous argumentation. Neal used the novel to lambast the imitation of European manners and literary styles, advocating instead for an authentic, energetic, and distinctively American form of expression. He infused the text with his characteristic youthful zeal and often unconventional prose, making it a challenging read for some contemporaries but a clear statement of his nationalist literary creed, urging a rejection of imported taste.
How it came to be
John Neal, a Baltimore lawyer and aspiring writer, conceived "Keep Cool" out of a profound belief in the necessity of an independent American culture. Written in his early twenties, the novel was a product of his burgeoning literary ambition and fiery nationalistic spirit. Neal's writing process was characterized by rapid production and a disdain for conventional literary niceties, reflecting his personality. He was unafraid to challenge established norms, a characteristic that would define his long career. The decision to publish such an outspoken work in 1817, through E. J. Coale in Baltimore, was a bold move for a relatively unknown author, signaling his intent to provoke and inspire a new literary direction, despite the likely critical backlash.
How many it sold
In 1817, the American book market was still developing, and "Keep Cool" did not achieve widespread commercial success. Specific sales figures are elusive, but it is safe to assume its distribution was limited, likely to a few hundred copies at most. Early American novels, especially those with such an unconventional style and polemical intent, rarely became bestsellers. Its reach was likely confined to literary circles, intellectual elites, and those already interested in debates about American cultural identity. Unlike later, more accessible works of national literature, "Keep Cool" served more as a manifesto for a specific viewpoint than as popular entertainment, circulating among a niche audience rather than the general public.
Why it resonated
While "Keep Cool" did not achieve universal acclaim, it resonated with a segment of the American populace yearning for cultural independence after the War of 1812. The prevailing sentiment was a desire to shed the cultural subservience to Britain, mirroring the political independence hard-won decades prior. Neal's passionate and often aggressive call for a uniquely American literature tapped into this burgeoning nationalism. Though some critics found his style crude or his arguments overwrought, others appreciated his genuine zeal and directness. The debate surrounding the novel, whether in agreement or critique, contributed to the broader discourse on American identity and the future direction of its arts.
Impact today
Today, "Keep Cool" is recognized as a significant, albeit often overlooked, artifact in the history of American literary nationalism. It stands as an early and vivid expression of the desire for a distinctive American literary voice, predating more celebrated calls for national literature. While not widely read or studied for its plot, its historical value lies in representing John Neal's pioneering efforts to challenge colonial literary dependency. It offers insight into the cultural anxieties and aspirations of the early republic and Neal's role as a proto-modernist figure who anticipated later movements in American literature toward experimentation and independent expression, cementing its place as a foundational text in the development of American literary self-awareness.
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