John Updike is one of the most prolific and important American authors of the contemporary period, with an acclaimed body of work that spans half a century and a source of inspiration that ranges from American exceptionalism to American popular culture. This Companion's distinguished international team of contributors addresses the major themes in Updike's writing as well as the sources of controversy that it has often provoked. They trace the ways in which historical and cultural changes in the second half of the twentieth century have shaped not only Updike's reassessment of America's...

Olster analyzes in detail historical narrative configurations in the works of Norman Mailer, Thomas Pynchon, John Barth, Robert Coover and E. L. Doctorow.