British Literature- Pre 18th Century to the Early 20th Century

Description

British Literature: Pre-18th Century to the Early 20th Century is a comprehensive and accessible overview of English literary history, tracing its development from the Renaissance to the beginnings of modernism. Organized both thematically and chronologically, the book explores key literary movements, authors, and works that have defined and transformed British literature over several centuries. Beginning with the cultural awakening of the Renaissance, it highlights the Elizabethan sonnet tradition and the emergence of English drama through influential figures like Shakespeare and Marlowe. It then examines the stylistic evolution seen in the Metaphysical poets and the literary impact of Puritanism. The Augustan Age is marked by a rise in satire, notably in the works of Swift and Pope, where wit becomes a powerful tool for social commentary. The book devotes significant attention to the 18th-century rise of the English novel, analyzing the contributions of Defoe, Richardson, and Fielding. As it moves through the Romantic and Victorian eras, it explores how literature engaged with revolutionary ideas, moral complexity, and social change. Major writers like Wordsworth, Keats, Tennyson, Dickens, and Eliot are studied within broader artistic and historical frameworks. Designed for students, educators, and general readers, this book not only surveys major texts and authors but also provides critical insights into the evolving relationship between literature and society, highlighting enduring themes and the richness of England’s literary tradition.

Contents: 1. History of the Literature of the Period, 2. History of the Literature from the Late Eighteenth Century to the Late Nineteenth Century, 3. Literary and Social History, 4. British Literature: The Early 20th Century, 5. Poetry, 6. Essay, Story and Drama, 7. Fiction/Novel.