English Literature and the Classics

Contents: Preface. 1. General characteristics of classical literature. 2. Greek and English tragedy. 3. Particular characteristics: poetry. 4. Religious controversy and translation. 5. Devotional works. 6. Shakespeare and the classics. Bibliography. Index.

English and classics often appeals to those with a particular interest in literary and cultural interactions; and reflects the close relationship that has always existed between classical and English literature and culture. The book is concentrated upon leaving the details to be filled in from comprehensive monuments.

The main purpose of this book is easily stated. It is to help students of English literature who are not themselves classical scholars to form a coherent impression of the influence exerted by the ancient literatures upon our town. The extent of this influence cannot within the limits of one volume be more than indicated; its character is a less overwhelming, but perhaps not a less important subject.