Landmarks of English Literature

Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. The dawn of English literature. 3. The Elizabethan era. 4. The successors of the Elizabethans. 5. The restoration period. 6. The wits of Queen Annes time. 7. Our first great novelists. 8. Dr. Johnson and his contemporaries. Index.
 
Literature is a plant of slow and gradual growth: its beginnings like the source of some great river are obscure and difficult to trace, it is not  till many influences have been at work and many busy pens employed in moulding and forming the language that the appearance of a writer who deserves to be ranked as a classic is possible. The authors before Chaucer are interesting only for historical reasons: Chaucer is interesting for himself alone apart from all considerations regarding his influence upon the language or the admirable representations which his works afford. He was able to hold the mirror up to nature without flinching.

The book presents details on the dawn of English literature the Elizabethan era the successors of the Elizabethans the restoration period the wits of Queen Annes time first great novelists Dr. Johnson and his contemporaries.

It is the authors strong faith that the book will surely benefit the students in general especially those who want to emerge as great scholars of English literature tomorrow. (jacket)