Intended for use by adult readers who wish to independently continue their education at the college level, this study guide and reading list, compiled for the Dallas public library system, provides suggestions for the study of American literature. Readings from the works of major authors from each of the following historical periods are recommended: The age of exploration and colonization (c. 1570-c. 1770: Edwards, Taylor, Winthrop, etc.); the age of Federalism (c. 1770-c. 1820: Franklin, Cooper, etc.); the age of romanticism (c. 1820-c. 1850: Melville, Poe, Emerson, etc.); the age of realism and naturalism (c. 1850-c. 1910: James, Whitman, Dreiser, etc.); and the modern age (c. 1910-c. 1950: Eliot, Hemingway, Faulkner, etc.). Also included are suggestions for the selection of drama, literature written by women or blacks, and literary criticism, as well as a list of other study guides available through the library system. (KS)