History of English Literature

This book has won for itself a secure place as a study of literary history and criticism. Its continued popularity suggests that the value of its judgments remains for the most part unimpaired. In places, however, the past fifteen years have inevitably seen changes of perspective and reevaluations; these the present edition seeks to incorporate, while yet preserving of its predecessor all that is in line with modern thought.Amendments and additions have been made to bring the story of our literature up to date. The bibliography is designed to enable those who wish to pursue their studies further to acquaint themselves not only with standard authorities, but with the more recent research, thus gaining an impression of the changing trends of critical opinion. The method and layout of the original work have been preserved as far as possible.