Subject
English literature -- 18th century -- History and criticism Books
Best books
Voltaire
Letters on England
"Letters on England" by Voltaire is a series of essays published in 1733, based on his experiences living in Britain between 1726 and 1729. Through twenty-four letters, Voltaire examines English religion, politics, commerce, medicine, and intellectual life, often comparing them favorably to their French counterparts. His observations on Quakers, Parliament, trade, and thinkers like Newton and Locke present England as a model of tolerance and liberty. The book was suppressed in France for its implicit criticism of the French system.
Henry A. (Henry Augustin) Beers
A History of English Romanticism in the Eighteenth Century
"A History of English Romanticism in the Eighteenth Century" by Henry A. Beers is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book examines the Romantic movement within English literature, distinguishing it from its continental counterparts and exploring its gradual emergence and unique characteristics. It delves into the influences, key figures, and cultural shifts that contributed to the evolution of Romanticism in England, offering a detailed analysis of how it diverges from Classical traditions. At the start of the book, the author introduces the concept of Romanticism, assessing its definition and significance within the context of English literature. He contrasts it with Classical elements, emphasizing the different attitudes and characteristics that define each style. Beers also notes the challenges of defining Romanticism, as it encompasses a complex blend of emotions, themes, and historical influences from the Middle Ages, with an aim to articulate what makes English Romanticism distinct from its predecessors. The opening sets the foundation for a nuanced exploration of various authors and literary movements that shaped this pivotal period in English literary history.
Unknown
Famous Reviews, Selected and Edited with Introductory Notes by R. Brimley Johnson
"Famous Reviews" by R. Brimley Johnson is a critical compilation of renowned literary reviews selected and edited from various historical sources, created in the early 20th century. This collection includes significant critiques from outlets such as the Edinburgh Review and the Quarterly Review, covering a range of authors, including Wordsworth, Southey, and Byron, among others. The reviews offer insights into the evolving perspectives on literary merit, taste, and the role of critics in shaping public opinion about notable literary works throughout the history of English literature. The opening of "Famous Reviews" sets the stage for a deep exploration of literary criticism by discussing the historical context and development of review journalism. Johnson reflects on the shifting nature of criticism, highlighting the rise of prominent reviewers and their often polarizing opinions about contemporaneous authors. The introduction provides a rich background that contextualizes the subsequent selections, which feature excerpts of reviews that combine sharp analysis with personal anecdotes and impressions that illustrate the critics’ broader viewpoints on artistry, style, and the cultural landscape of their times. Through this, readers are invited not only to assess the worth of various literary figures but also to consider the critic's influence in the literary sphere.
William Makepeace Thackeray
Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges
"Henry Esmond; The English Humourists; The Four Georges" by William Makepeace Thackeray is a historical novel written in the mid-19th century. The book tells the story of Henry Esmond, a young boy navigating life through the complexities of family loyalty, societal expectations, and personal ambition during the tumultuous periods of English history. As Esmond grows, he encounters various notable characters that shape his understanding of honor, love, and duty. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Henry Esmond, a young boy living in Castlewood Hall, who feels lost and uncertain due to his orphan status. The narrative details his first encounters with the new lord and lady of Castlewood, emphasizing Esmond's feelings of solitude and anxiety as he observes the grand, yet unfamiliar, environment that surrounds him. The warmth and kindness of Lady Castlewood and her daughter Beatrix offer him a glimmer of hope, creating a sense of family amidst his uncertainties. As he begins to forge a bond with them, the groundwork is laid for the exploration of his identity and his unfolding adventures in the larger historical context of England.
Austin Dobson
Eighteenth Century Vignettes
"Eighteenth Century Vignettes" by Austin Dobson is a collection of historical essays written in the late 19th century. The work presents a series of episodic portraits and reflections on significant figures and events of the 18th century, blending fact with a light degree of narrative elaboration. This compilation aims to capture the essence of the era, focusing on both personal stories and broader cultural moments that shaped the time. The opening portion of the book introduces the reader to a scene from 1708 involving Captain Richard Steele and his wife, Mary Scurlock Steele. The narrative describes a moment of impatience experienced by Mrs. Steele as she awaits her husband in a coach outside Lord Sunderland's office in Whitehall. The text paints a vivid picture of their marriage, highlighting Steele's charming yet tumultuous nature, conflicts over his frequent absences from home, and Mrs. Steele's wrestling emotions. Through letters exchanged between the couple, we gain insights into their relationship dynamics, revealing both affection and underlying tensions that characterize their life together in a bustling 18th century London.
Chauncey Brewster Tinker
The salon and English letters : $b Chapters on the interrelations of literature and society in the age of Johnson
"The Salon and English Letters: Chapters on the Interrelations of Literature and Society in the Age of Johnson" by Chauncey Brewster Tinker is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book explores the interplay between literature and social life during the 18th century, particularly in relation to English salons and their influence on authors and their works. It seeks to analyze how the salon culture provided an essential space for intellectual exchange, fostering the literary talents and social dynamics of the period. The opening of the work sets the stage by emphasizing the significance of manners in 18th-century literature and introduces the concept of salons as vital incubators for both literature and social discourse. Tinker discusses how these gatherings blurred the lines between literary production and social interaction, suggesting that the conversations held within salons greatly contributed to the evolution of literary forms and ideas. The author outlines his intention to investigate the origins and characteristics of salons and how they facilitated connections among writers, thinkers, and patrons during the Age of Johnson, providing a rich context for the literary developments of the time.
John Dennis
The Age of Pope (1700-1744)
"The Age of Pope" by John Dennis is a historical account written in the late 19th century. This work forms part of a series of handbooks dedicated to English literature, focusing on the literary period between the death of John Dryden in 1700 and the death of Alexander Pope in 1744. The book explores the influential figures and works of this era, with a specific emphasis on Pope, who is often considered the central poet of the time. The opening of the book sets the stage for an in-depth examination of English literature during this transformative period. Dennis articulates the significance of Dryden’s contributions while also drawing attention to the shifting landscape of literature that followed. He discusses the complex interplay of political, social, and literary influences, particularly highlighting the rise of satire and the changing styles in poetry and prose that characterized the era. The text serves as both a guide and an introduction for readers seeking a deeper understanding of this pivotal moment in literary history, while also providing context for Pope's work, laying the groundwork for further exploration of the poets and prose writers of the age.
George Saintsbury
Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860
"Essays in English Literature, 1780-1860" by George Saintsbury is a collection of critical essays written in the late 19th century. The work offers a deep analysis of various authors and their contributions to English literature during a significant transformational period. Saintsbury discusses literary criticism's nature and contemplates the merits of the writers being scrutinized, emphasizing figures who have not always received the accolades they deserve. The opening of this collection introduces the essays, revealing that the first piece discusses the various kinds of literary criticism. Saintsbury articulates the complexities and debates surrounding literary critique and its relevancy to both reviewers and authors. He outlines the essays' subject matter, emphasizing their chronological approach and the connection between the authors being discussed, who produced work during a pivotal decade. At the heart of this introduction lies Saintsbury's belief in the necessity of comparative criticism and the importance of studying literary history to provide a well-rounded judgment on the literary figures of his time.
Leslie Stephen
English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century
"English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century" by Leslie Stephen is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work comprises a series of lectures that explore the interplay between literature and the sociopolitical context of the 18th century in England. Leslie Stephen addresses the evolution of literary forms and critical methods, linking them to the broader influences of philosophy, politics, and social structures during that time. At the start of the text, Stephen reflects on the purpose of his lectures, contemplating his qualification to address the historical relationship between literature and society. He emphasizes the significance of literature as a reflection of human thought and emotion, suggesting that literary works provide insights into the social conditions of their era. He argues that to fully understand literature, one must consider the sociopolitical environment and the philosophy of the time, noting how critics' methods have evolved from rigid assessments to a more contextually sensitive analysis that appreciates varying artistic expressions. Stephen's preliminary ideas set the stage for his examination of the complexities of literary history and its ties to the society of the 18th century.
Walter Alexander Raleigh
Romance: Two Lectures
"Romance: Two Lectures" by Sir Walter Raleigh is a scholarly publication stemming from the early 20th century, specifically delivered in 1915. The book examines the development and significance of the concept of romance in literature, particularly focusing on its historical evolution and impact on English literature. Raleigh, a prominent professor of English Literature at the University of Oxford, articulates the influence of romanticism and the broader implications it has had on literary forms and cultural expressions. In the lectures, Raleigh delves into the intricate relationship between romance and the evolution of literature from the Middle Ages through the Romantic Revival. He discusses the historical roots of romance literature, emphasizing its Christian influences and the transition from classical to medieval traditions. The author also reflects on how fashion and cultural attitudes shape literary movements over time, illustrating the persistent oscillation between romantic and classical ideals. By exploring key literary figures and their contributions, Raleigh provides a nuanced understanding of romance as both a literary category and a cultural force, ultimately suggesting that the essence of romance lies not in rigid definitions but in the creativity and emotions that it inspires across different historical contexts.
Unknown
The present state of wit (1711), and excerpts from The English Theophrastus; or, The manners of the age (1702)
"The Present State of Wit" by John Gay is a critical work written in the early 18th century, specifically during the period known as the Augustan age of English literature. This book is a satirical essay that examines the state of wit and humor circulating in London, particularly among the periodicals prevalent in coffeehouses at the time. It reflects on the interactions and criticisms among writers, highlighting the cultural and social dynamics of wit in the society of Gay's era. In the book, Gay presents his observations in a letter format to a friend in the countryside, providing a vivid overview of contemporary periodicals such as the "Tatler," "Spectator," and "Examiner." He discusses the contributions of key figures like Richard Steele and Joseph Addison, praising their impact on public discourse and the cultivation of wit. Gay critiques various writers and their styles, offering insights into the nature of humor, criticism, and social satire. Overall, the work serves as both a historical commentary on the literary landscape of early 18th-century England and a reflection on the enduring qualities of social critique through wit.
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