The Cambridge History of English Literature
From the Beginnings to the Cycles of Romance

First published in 1932, this book aims 'to give a connected account of the successive movements of English literature'.

Sir A. W. Ward (Edited by), A. R. Waller (Edited by)

9781316602195, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 15 April 2016

428 pages
21.6 x 14 x 2.4 cm, 0.54 kg

First published in 1932, as the second edition of a 1907 original, this informative and insightful book was aimed at a wide readership and was primarily intended 'to give a connected account of the successive movements of English literature, to describe the work of writers both of primary and of secondary importance, and to discuss the interaction between English and foreign literatures'. Chapter titles include, 'Old English Christian Poetry', 'The Arthurian Legend' and 'Metrical Romances 1200–1500'. Cognate subjects are also covered and explored, such as oratory, journalism and typography. This vibrant and visionary book provides a solid historical overview and reflection on the history of the subject and effortlessly bridges the gap between all the key movements of English literature. Capturing the excitement and intrigue of the story of English literature, this detailed and accessible book will be of considerable value to specialists and non-specialists alike.

Prefatory note
1. The beginnings A. R. Waller
2. Runes and manuscripts A. C. Paues
3. Early national poetry H. M. Chadwick
4. Old English Christian poetry M. Bentinck Smith
5. Latin writings in England to the time of Alfred M. R. James
6. Alfred and the Old English prose of his reign P. G. Thomas
7. From Alfred to the Conquest J. S. Westlake
8. The Norman Conquest A. R. Waller
9. Latin chroniclers from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries W. Lewis Jones
10. English scholars of Paris and Franciscans of Oxford. Latin literature of England from John of Salisbury to Richard of Bury J. E. Sandys
11. Early translation English J. W. H. Atkins
12. The Arthurian legend W. Lewis Jones
13. Metrical romances, 1200–1500. I W. P. Ker
14. Metrical romances, 1200–1500. II J. W. H. Atkins
15. Pearl, Cleanness, Patience and Sir Gawayne Israel Gollancz
16. Later translation English. I. Legendaries and chroniclers Clara L. Thomson
17. Later translation English. II. Secular lyrics
tales
social satire A. R. Waller
18. The prosody of Old and Middle English George Saintsbury
19. Changes in language to the days of Chaucer Henry Bradley
20. The Anglo-French law language F. W. Maitland
Appendix to chapter 7 J. S. Westlake.

Subject Areas: Literary studies: general [DSB]