By Michael Alexander
A background of English Literature has obtained unparalleled reports. Tracing the improvement of 1 of the world's richest literatures from the previous English interval via to the current day, the narrative discusses quite a lot of key authors yet by no means loses its readability or verve.
Building at the book's demonstrated acceptance and good fortune, the 3rd version has been revised and up-to-date all through. It now offers an entire ultimate bankruptcy at the modern scene, with extra on genres and the impression of globalization.
Features of this best-selling booklet include:
• a valuable review of every chapter
• boxed biographies of authors, and tables of courses and historic events
• on-page definitions of vital phrases and concepts
• feedback for additional examining on the finish of every bankruptcy to help study
• pictures of authors, illustrations, maps and an index.
A background of English Literature continues to be the fundamental better half for a person wishing to keep on with the unfolding of writing in England from its beginnings. it really is perfect when you comprehend a couple of landmark texts, yet little of the literary panorama that surrounds them; those that need to know what English literature contains; and those that easily are looking to learn its interesting story.
Read or Download A History of English Literature (Palgrave Foundations Series) PDF
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Extra resources for A History of English Literature (Palgrave Foundations Series)
50] Piers Plowman Piers Plowman is a dream poem in the alliterative style. It opens on the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire: In a sourer seson, whan soft was the sonne, I shope me in shroudes as I a shepe were, In habite as an heremite unholy of workes Went wyde in this world wondres to here. I put on outer clothes as if I were a shepherd in the garb of a hermit not holy in conduct marvels hear Ac on a May mornynge on Malverne hulles Me byfel a ferly, of fairy me thoughte; I was wery forwandred and went me to reste Under a brode banke bi a bornes side, And as I lay and lened and loked in the wateres, I slombred in a slepyng, it sweyved so merye.
He lived in London and in Kent, surviving the Black Death, the French wars, the Peasants’ Revolt, the Lords Appellants’ challenge to Richard II, and Richard’s deposition by Henry IV. Chaucer’s writing reveals nothing of these, nor of his personal life. His mother married three times. He himself married Philippa, daughter of a Flemish knight; her sister later became John of Gaunt’s third wife. Geoffrey’s sister was a nun. Long after he died in 1400, his son Thomas became the most important royal servant in England.
It has a typical romance opening, an outrageous challenge to the knights at King Arthur’s court at Christmas; the challenge is accepted, and a knight of the Round Table rides forth on his quest, surviving adventures and a fearful final encounter, to return to Camelot a year later. The themes of prowess and gallant conduct are combined with that of the Grail-quest, chastity. Gawain is a romance of rare economy and zest. It displays chivalry - brave knights and fair ladies, magnificent hospitality in the castle, courage in the field and fine language - in a plot combining adventure, excitement and surprise.