English Literature in Context

Comprehensive and accessible, this textbook supports the study of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present, and is designed as a main resource for all English Literature students. The book is carefully structured for undergraduate use, with a rich range of illustrations and textboxes that enhance and summarise vital background material. The seven chronological chapters are written by a team of expert contributors who are also highly experienced teachers with a clear sense of the requirements of the undergraduate English curriculum. Each analyses a major historical period, surveying and documenting the cultural contexts that have shaped English literature, and focusing on key texts. In addition to the narrative survey, each chapter includes a detailed chronology, providing a quick-reference guide to the period; contextual readings of select literary texts; and annotated suggestions for further reading. This is an invaluable reference for students and teachers alike.

Supporting the study of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present, this book is designed as an introductory text AND a helpful reference tool for an entire English Literature degree. Its key mission is to help students understand the link between the historical context in which the literature developed, how this has influenced the literature of the period and how subsequent periods in literature have been influenced by those that precede them. The book is carefully structured for undergraduate use, with a rich range of illustrations and textboxes that enhance and summarise vital background material. The seven chronological chapters are written by a team of expert contributors who are also highly experienced teachers with a clear sense of the requirements of the undergraduate English curriculum. Each analyses a major historical period, surveying and documenting the cultural contexts that have shaped English literature, and focusing on key texts. In addition to the narrative survey, each chapter includes a detailed chronology, providing a quick-reference guide to the period; contextual readings of select literary texts; and annotated suggestions for further reading.

Preface Paul Poplawski; 1. Medieval English, 500-1500: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Valerie Allen; 2. The Renaissance, 1485-1660: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Andrew Hiscock; 3. The Restoration and 18th Century, 1660-1780: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Lee Morrissey; 4. The Romantic Period, 1780-1832: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and Issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Peter J. Kitson; 5. The Victorian Age, 1837-1901: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Maria Frawley; 6. The twentieth century, 1901-1939: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference Paul Poplawski; 7. The twentieth century, 1939-2004: Chronology; I. Historical overview; II. Literary overview; III. Texts and issues; IV. Readings; V. Reference John Brannigan.

Comprehensive and accessible, this textbook supports the study of English literature from the Middle Ages to the present, and is designed as a main resource for all English Literature students. Seven chronological chapters analyse the cultural and historical contexts that have shaped English literature, enhanced with plentiful illustrations and text-boxes.

Paul Poplawski is Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Leicester.