A nation's literature grows to fill its sphere of influence, and Adair, a college English teacher in New York City, looks at how the American empire of the late 20th century spawned epic novels. James Michener, Norman Mailer, Thomas Pynchon, and Samuel R. Delaney grace the main stage, while lesser known writers and works are pointed out pacing the verge of empire. Annotation ©2008 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)