Synopses & Reviews
A History of English Literature has received exceptional reviews. Tracing the development of one of the world's richest literatures from the Old English period through to the present day, the narrative discusses a wide range of key authors but never loses its clarity or verve.
Building on the book's established reputation and success, the third edition has been revised and updated throughout. It now provides a full final chapter on the contemporary scene, with more on genres and the impact of globalization.
Features of this best-selling book include:
- a helpful overview of each chapter
- boxed biographies of authors, and tables of publications and historical events
- on-page definitions of important terms and concepts
- suggestions for further reading at the end of each chapter to aid study
- portraits of authors, illustrations, maps and an index.
A History of English Literature remains the essential companion for anyone wishing to follow the unfolding of writing in England since the Middle Ages. It is ideal for those who know a few landmark texts, but little of the literary landscape that surrounds them; those who want to know what English literature consists of; and those who simply want to read its fascinating story.
Review
PRAISE FOR THE THIRD
Synopsis
This comprehensive text traces the development of one of the world's richest literatures from the Old English period through to the present day, discussing a wide range of key authors without losing its clarity or verve. Building on the book's established reputation and success, the third edition has been revised and updated throughout. It now provides a full final chapter on the contemporary scene, with more on genres and the impact of globalization.
This accessible book remains the essential companion for students of English literature and literary history, or for anyone wishing to follow the unfolding of writing in England from its beginnings. It is ideal for those who know a few landmark texts, but little of the literary landscape that surrounds them; those who want to know what English literature consists of; and those who simply want to read its fascinating story.
About the Author
MICHAEL ALEXANDER is an emeritus professor of English Literature, University of St Andrews, UK. He is a poet and translator and has international experience of teaching English literature, both medieval and modern.
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
List of Timelines
Acknowledgements
Preface
Preface to Second Edition
Preface to Third Edition
Abbreviations
Introduction
PART I: MEDIEVAL
Old English Literature: to 1100
Middle English Literature 1066-1500
PART II: TUDOR AND STUART
Tudor Literature: 1500-1603
Shakespeare and the Drama
Stuart Literature: to 1700
PART III: AUGUSTAN AND ROMANTIC
Augustan Literature: to 1790
The Romantics: 1790-1837
PART IV: VICTORIAN LITERATURE TO 1880
The Age and its Sages
Poetry
Fiction
Late Victorian Literature: 1880-1900
PART V: THE TWENTIETH CENTURY AND BEYOND
Ends and Beginnings: 1901-19
From Post-War to Post-War: 1920-55
New Beginnings: 1955-80
Contemporaries
Further Reading
Index