History and Criticism of Literature

[Risley]

Hello I'm new to this forum, and apologise if this is an oft asked question.

I'm looking for books about the history of both English and World literature and any notable books giving a critical overview of literature through the ages (up to the present time)

I own "The Cambridge Guide To Literature In English" but that's about it.

Risley

[Jean-Baptiste]

Hello, Risley. Welcome to the forums!

I don't have any specific books to recommend to you. I know I've made use of a several such books, but I'm afraid I don't recall the titles. In any case, I would think that any decent sized library would contain at least a handful of similar items, if not shelves upon shelves (seems a popular scholarly pursuit.)

Wait, I remember, there was a book that I saw at the library last week, that I thought might be interesting (beyond any academic necessity) but I didn't check it out and now I've forgotten the title. Sorry to be of so little help. But I'm going to the library today, so I'll try to find it for you.

Often literary anthologies contain valuable information in their introductory essays dispursed throughout. Perhaps a simple (big) anthology of World literature could help you.

As a seemingly relevant observation, I would think that this being a general academic interest, many books of different titles and scopes are going to have much of the same information. Once you've read one thorough essay on so-and-so, you've read them all--so long as it is based on fact and not obviously speculation. Therefore, I would suggest anything. (Perhaps the least helpful answer I've ever had for anyone. Sorry.)

I'll have to get back to you on this. Again, welcome! :)

[Schokokeks]

Hi there, Risley, welcome to the Forum ! :wave:

I own the Oxford Illustrated History of English Literature by Pat Rogers, which I find very informative and accessible. However, the chapters are quite long, so in case you need a book to just quickly look up an author/an epoch, you'd be better served with the Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature, which has letter-by-letter entries.
In case you would like the book to offer you short excerpts of important works, you should have a look at The Norton Anthology of English Literature and The Norton Anthology of American Literature.
These books only cover literature written in English, however. I don't know of any reference book on World Literature, but that would have to be a shelf in itself :D.

Hope you find a book that suits you ! :nod:

[Jean-Baptiste]

I found a book in two volumes called Literature of Western Civilization edited by Locke, Kirby, and Porter. I would highly recommend it. It starts with ancient Greek literature and covers most everything up to the Modernist era. It seems to mainly contain selections from all of the various writers, but also includes about a page worth of background information per author.

I was unsuccessful in finding the book that had previously caught my eye. I'll keep looking.

[subterranean]

Hi, Risley. I'm not sure whether these are what you're looking for:

A History of English Literature by Robert Huntington Fletcher

English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English Speaking World by William Joseph Long

I have them in e-text in my PC and you can download them for free from Gutenberg.

Welcome and good luck. :)

[Risley]

Thanks for all the replies and the warm welcome, The Oxford Illustrated History of English Literature and Literature of Western Civilization both sound like the kind of books I'm looking for. And the Norton Anthologies sound like good books to own.

I'll be sure to check out the 2 volumes that are available on gutenburg subterranean. It looks like a great website.

I had another look around the local 2nd hand book and charity shops earlier this morning and found a book called "The Outline Of Literature" Edited by John Drinkwater and revised by Horace Shipp. On an initial look it seems to cover the history of literature from the earliest times (in overview) through to world war two with some less detailed overviews of 50's authors added in by Shipp. It looks to be quite indepth and covers European and American authors as well as giving an overview of Greek and Roman works.

Their are some brief excerpts along with reading lists at the end of each chapter.

I haven't started to read it yet but it looks like a very good book.

I'm interested in any other recomendations, I've just finished moving house and finally have some free time over christmas to start reading again.

[Tasartir]

MIMESIS by Erich Auerbach, it's the best lit criticism book I've ever read, not only does it compare, contrast, and criticize but it also puts the works of art in its context. Amazing, try it out.

[Risley]

Thanks Tasartir, I've had a search around the net for info on it and it sounds like an interesting book. I'll put it on my shopping list of titles to get.

Risley

[subterranean]

MIMESIS by Erich Auerbach, it's the best lit criticism book I've ever read, not only does it compare, contrast, and criticize but it also puts the works of art in its context. Amazing, try it out.

I checked the short review in Powells' website. Indeed looks like a very interesting book, esp. because of the sub-title (The Representation of Reality in Western Literature)

[Virgil]

Subby, I just tried to reply but your PM box was full.

[subterranean]

Subby, I just tried to reply but your PM box was full.

Cleared, Uncle Virg. :D

[ellen c]

try The Pelican Guides to English Lit.- very good little books - 1 to 8

[Risley]

Thanks ellen c, I'll put those on my list as well. I have a vague memory of seeing one of those before, maybe in one of my relatives libraries.