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Back to topA Brief History of English Literature (Paperback)
Description
This new edition of an established text provides a succinct and up-to-date historical overview of the story of English literature. Focusing on how writing both reflects and challenges the periods in which it is produced, John Peck and Martin Coyle combine close readings of key texts with recent critical thinking on the interaction of literary works and culture. Providing a lively introductory guide to English literature from Beowulf to the present day, the authors write in their characteristically lucid and accessible style.
A true masterpiece of clarity and compression, this is essential reading for undergraduate students coming across the vast areas of English literature for the first time and looking for a way of making critical sense of the texts being studied. In addition, the concise nature and narrative structure of this book makes it excellent reading for general readers. New to this Edition:- Revised chapter on twentieth century literature
- Complete new chapter on twenty-first century literature
- Updated Chronology and Further Reading section
About the Author
John Peck is now retired and was formerly Reader in Victorian Literature at Cardiff University, UK. Martin Coyle is Professor of English Literature at Cardiff University, UK.John Peck is now retired and was formerly Reader in Victorian Literature at Cardiff University, UK. Martin Coyle is Professor of English Literature at Cardiff University, UK.
Praise For…
'A Brief History is notable for its lucidity and intelligence, and the new material displays those same virtues.' - Stephen Arata, University of Virginia, USA
'An essential resource for teachers and students of literature alike.' - Cinta Zunino Garrido, Universidad de Jaen, Spain
'A well-structured, uncluttered and balanced account of English literary history.' - J.P. Van der Motten, Gent Universiteit, Belgium
'Chatty and engaging...will do its best work at sixth-form and first-year undergraduate level.' - The Times Higher Education Supplement 'A fluently written and very accessible history of English literature.' - Linden Peach, Loughborough University, UK 'Pacy, readable and engaging.' - Rick Rylance, Anglia Polytechnic University, UK