A history of English literature: A practical text-book

About this book

This work is a practical textbook that sets out a comprehensive survey of English literary history, from the Old English period through the post‑Victorian age. The author explains that every first‑class and most second‑class writer has been included, with greater space given to the more important figures, and even a chapter on modern writers is added to show the living nature of the tradition. Facts are presented plainly, dates, tabulated summaries, and exercises, while an extensive index of extracts and a modest bibliography guide further study. The opening chapter already demonstrates the book’s method, beginning with a concise yet detailed overview of the Old English era, its historical background, and the characteristics of its poetry, such as the alliterative structure of Beowulf.

Written in a clear, didactic style typical of late‑19th‑century scholarship, the text combines factual precision with occasional literary flair. Its systematic organization, plentiful exercises, and focus on verifiable information will appeal to students of literature, teachers preparing courses, and any reader who enjoys a structured, reference‑friendly guide to the evolution of English writing.

Opening lines

In the first place the aim has been to make the book comprehensive. All first-class and nearly all second-class authors (so far as such classification is generally accepted) have been included. Due proportion between the two groups has been attempted by giving the more important authors greater space. The complete index should assist in making the book a handy volume of reference as well as a historical sketch. …

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