The Augustan World: Life and Letters in Eighteenth-Century England (Routledge Library Editions: 18th Century Literature)

The outlook of writers in the eighteenth century was profoundly influenced by the social and intellectual interests of Augustan life. Originally published in 1954, this book aims to describe that influence, and to set the literature of the period in its social environment with a critical attention. The treatment is compact but readable, and effective use is made of quotations from contemporary literature.