In The Letter and the Spirit of Nineteenth-Century American Literature Thomas Loebel demonstrates  how theological discourse structures critiques of the premises of American justice in literature by retheorizing language through theology. In so doing he offers new insight into some of the most important American texts of the nineteenth century, focusing on literature's engagement with the politics of justice by necessitating a rethinking of signification and style as well as the relationship between ethics and justice. Anyone interested in American literature and culture will view the relationship between ethics and justice differently after reading this book.

"This is one of the most inspiring works of scholarship I have read in a long time.  Loebel's willingness to take on big questions and his ability to approach these questions from every conceivable angle is admirable.  Most admirable, though, is the courage with which he challenges what have become very predictable responses to political, cultural, and literary questions. This book provokes a surprising new insight on almost every page; these insights deserve to be heard - indeed they need to heard." Michael Kaufmann, Department of English, Temple University

"This book is the work of a learned, engaged scholar. The author's political-theological commitments clearly drive his lucid and supple interpretation of literary, political, and legal works. This work contributes compellingly to several burning debates on ethics, the politics of representation, the gendering of the public sphere, and the articulation of race within nation." Christine Bold, School of English and Theatre Studies, University of Guelph

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