British Literature: A Historical Overview

These two volumes provide an overview of British literature in its social and historical context from the Anglo-Saxon period through to the twenty-first century. They trace literary developments in all genres, and touch as well on key developments in the history of the language and the history of print culture. They also provide essential background for those unfamiliar with the unfolding of British political, social, economic, and cultural history during each of the periods into which the study of British literature is commonly divided. Included are a wide variety of illustrations, including 24 pages of color plates in each volume.

The material for British Literature: A Historical Overview has been drawn from the general introductions to the six volumes of the acclaimed Broadview Anthology of British Literature.

"It is very hard to condense a period's historical, cultural, political, and literary background in such a way as to engage and inform students and instructors alike. Broadview not only rises to that challenge; it succeeds magnificently.... These introductions are compelling and readable, informative and smart. One could not ask for a better overview of the major periods of British literary history!" Amy Montz, University of Southern Indiana

"... an exciting achievement ... The Broadview Anthology of British Literature sets a new standard by which all other anthologies of British literature will now have to be measured." Graham Hammill, University of Notre Dame

"... I am very impressed.... A wealth of cultural and historical information is provided...The introductions show subtle expertise.... [and] bring English literary tradition to life." Wendy Nielsen, Montclair State University

"Forty-five years [after publication], The Norton Anthology of English Literature remains the 800 lb gorilla in the classroom. But it faces vigorous and growing competition from other anthologies, notably The Longman Anthology of British Literature and The Broadview Anthology of British Literature.... The most recent entry in the field, the Broadview [is distinguished by its] selections, longer introductions, more visual material, and a souped-up Web component." The Chronicle of Higher Education

General Editors:Joseph Black, University of MassachusettsLeonard Conolly, Trent UniversityKate Flint, Rutgers UniversityIsobel Grundy, University of AlbertaDon LePan, Broadview PressRoy Liuzza, University of TennesseeJerome J. McGann, University of VirginiaAnne Lake Prescott, Barnard CollegeBarry V. Qualls, Rutgers UniversityClaire Waters, University of California, Davis