A SHORT HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE by George Saintsbury

A SHORT HISTORY OF ENGLISH LITERATURE
Author: George Saintsbury
Publisher: Macmillan
Edition: 1953
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 818
Size: 4.5 inch × 7.5 inch

George Saintsbury’s A Short History of English Literature is not merely a textbook—it is a literary voyage through the centuries, guided by one of the most respected literary historians of his era. First published in the early 20th century and continually reissued for its enduring relevance, this 1953 Macmillan edition spans an impressive 818 pages, densely packed with Saintsbury’s signature erudition, style, and critical insight.

Saintsbury approaches the history of English literature as a living organism, tracing its evolution from the Anglo-Saxon period to the early 20th century. He begins with the raw and rhythmic poetry of Beowulf, moving through the rich medieval tapestry of Chaucer and the mystics, and continues with a deep dive into the Elizabethan explosion of drama and lyricism. His treatment of Shakespeare, the Metaphysical poets, and the prose masters of the Restoration and Enlightenment is both learned and passionately engaged.

The heart of the volume lies in its comprehensive exploration of the 18th and 19th centuries—an era Saintsbury viewed as the golden age of English letters. He brings to life the genius of the Romantic poets—Wordsworth, Coleridge, Shelley, Byron—and devotes significant attention to the Victorian novel, offering vivid and discerning portraits of Austen, Dickens, Thackeray, the Brontës, George Eliot, and Hardy. Saintsbury doesn’t just list facts—he offers opinionated, deeply felt criticism, often in elegant, near-literary prose of his own.

His writing is not dry or academic, but animated by a love for his subject and a belief in the moral and intellectual force of literature. As a result, the book not only informs but also inspires, drawing the reader into a lifelong appreciation for the language and its greatest expressions.

This edition, bound in a compact 4.5 x 7.5-inch format, is a treasure trove for anyone seeking a comprehensive understanding of English literary development. It is particularly suited for scholars, students of English literature, educators, and those who appreciate timeless literary commentary. Saintsbury’s historical reach and critical depth make this volume not only a history but also a profound meditation on the cultural life of a nation through its words.

• Spans from Anglo-Saxon beginnings to early 20th-century literature

• Written by one of the foremost literary critics of his time

• Features incisive analysis of major authors and literary movements

• 818 pages of detailed, passionate literary criticism

• Compact format ideal for reading and reference