Note: A Historical Overview is available at the special sale price of $17.95 for 2013. We're confident that those who give Broadview books a try on the basis of an exceptional price will stay with Broadview on the basis of the quality of our publications.

This volume is ideally suited for use as a companion volume in survey courses where the instructor has decided against using a large anthology. It provides an overview of British literature in its social and historical context from the Anglo-Saxon period through the eighteen century. It traces literary developments in all genres, and touches as well on key developments in the history of the language and the history of print culture. It also provides essential historical background for those unfamiliar with the unfolding of British political, social, economic, and cultural history during these periods. Included are a wide variety of illustrations, 24 of which are color plates.

The material for British Literature: A Historical Overview has been drawn from the general introductions to the six volumes of the acclaimed Broadview Anthology of British Literature. A Historical Overview, Volume B is also available; this covers the age of Romanticism through the twentieth century and beyond.

General Editors:

Joseph Black, University of Massachusetts

Leonard Conolly, Trent University

Kate Flint, Rutgers University

Isobel Grundy, University of Alberta

Don LePan, Broadview Press

Roy Liuzza, University of Tennessee

Jerome J. McGann, University of Virginia

Anne Lake Prescott, Barnard College

Barry V. Qualls, Rutgers University

Claire Waters, University of California, Davis

Comments (on The Broadview Anthology of British Literature):

"... an exciting achievement ... It sets a new standard by which all other anthologies of British literature will now have to be measured." - Graham Hammill, University of Notre Dame

"...I am very impressed. ... A wealth of cultural and historical information is provided. ... The introductions show subtle expertise.... The editors bring English literary tradition to life." - Wendy Nielsen, Montclair State University

Special Combination Price: This title may be shrink-wrapped with British Literature: A Historical Overview, Volume B for the discounted price of $34.95. To order this package, please contact customerservice@broadviewpress.com.

Table of Contents: [Back to Top]

Introduction to the Medieval Period

Introduction to the Renaissance and Early Seventeenth Century

Introduction to the Restoration and Eighteenth Century