"The purpose of this study is to present the life and books of James Michener with reports of contemporary criticisms of these books. Although the author has written numerous articles and stories, which have appeared in various periodicals, they will not be discussed as this consideration is limited to his books published in the postwar period through the year 1958"--Introduction. / Carbon copy of typescript. / "January, 1960." / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science." / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 51-64).