Synopses & Reviews
The second edition of this best-selling book has been completely updated and revised throughout to take into account new authors and new scholarly developments in literature and in society. Offering a comprehensive account of one of the world's richest literatures, A History of English Literature traces its developments from the Old English period until the present day. A narrative which is also a discussion of major authors, the history reads as a clear and coherent whole.
Review
'The book is a miracle of compression...To maintain the same qualities of wit, crispness and sharp but essentially generous judgement...in a 384 page book, which is something very much more than a 'survey' of the whole field of English Literature is an extraordinary achievement.' - Dr John Rathmell, Cambridge University, UK'If I had my way, every student of English would be supplied with a copy of this book.' - Gary Day,
The Times Higher Education Supplement'To write a linear history of a great literature is a difficult task, verging on the impossible these days. Professor Alexander has brought off a remarkable feat. His history is comprehensive, clear, judicious and sometimes punchy. This is an account of English writing which can be of great use to the student, the fact-hound, the teacher or the general reader. Above all, it is a triumph of reason and judgement, never cranky, nor exclusive. I shall recommend it widely.' - Professor Chris Wallace-Crabbe, University of Melbourne, Australia
'...eminently fit to excite the critical consciousness of the student.' - Professor Philip Smallwood, Essays in Criticism
About the Author
MICHAEL ALEXANDER held the chair of English at the University of St. Andrews.
Table of Contents
Introduction * PART I: MEDIEVAL * PART II: TUDOR AND STUART * PART III: AUGUSTAN AND ROMANTIC * PART IV: VICTORIAN LITERATURE TO 1880 * PART V: THE TWENTIETH AND TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY * Bibliography * Glossary * Index Introduction * PART I: MEDIEVAL * PART II: TUDOR AND STUART * PART III: AUGUSTAN AND ROMANTIC * PART IV: VICTORIAN LITERATURE TO 1880 * PART V: THE TWENTIETH AND TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY * Bibliography * Glossary * Index