Hello everyone!

I am a highschool student in my final year and I want to study English literature on university. There is a requirement that I should have at least basic knowledge of english and american literature and I've been seeking a good guide to such a subject lately, but without a success. Mind I would prefer something like "A Short History of English Literature" from Robert Barnard, yet the book is too difficult to obtain in my country so my question is:

Is there any guide to English and American literature you could recommend me, that has maximum 300 pages?

Its not like my interest is just superficial. I just don't have enough time to go through 800 pages of some of the more detailed publications. I've got to deliver some knowledge on my entrance exam.

For better picture , these books suited my needs perfectly ( them being not too basic, but also not too professional)

"An Illustrated History of Britain" by David McDowall
"An Illustrated History of USA" by Bryn O'Callaghan

I would be very, very thankful for your help!