HANDBOOKS OF ENGLISH LITERATURE. EDITED BY PROFESSOR HALES. Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d. net, each. THE AGE OF CHAUCER (1346-1400). By F. J. SNELL, M. A. With an Introduction by Professor HALES. THE AGE OF TRANSITION (1400-1580). By F. J. SNELL, M.A. 2 vols. Vol. I. The Poets. Vol. II. The Dramatists and Prose Writers (with an Introduction by Professor HALES). THE AGE OF SHAKESPEARE (1579-1631). By THOMAS SECCOMBE and J. W. ALLEN. With an Introduction by Professor HALES. 2 vols. Vol. I. Poetry and Prose. Vol. II. The Drama. 2nd Edition, revised. THE AGE OF MILTON (1632-1660). By the Rev. J. H. B. MASTERMAN, M.A. With Introduction, etc., by J. BASS MULLINGER, M.A. 3rd Edition. THE AGE OF DRYDEN (1660-1700). By R. GARNETT, C. B., LL.D. 4th Edition. THE AGE OF POPE (1700-1744). By JOHN DENNIS. 4th Edition. THE AGE OF JOHNSON (1744-1798). SECCOMBE. 2nd Edition. BY THOMAS THE AGE OF WORDSWORTH (1798-1832). By Professor C. H. HERFORD, Litt. D. 5th Edition. THE AGE OF TENNYSON (1830-1870). By Professor HUGH WALKER. 4th Edition. LONDON: GEORGE BELL AND SONS, YORK HOUSE, PORTUGAL STREET, W.C. 15 D05E, S. PREFACE THE object of the present work is to present a lucid and succinct account of English and Scottish literature during the period that intervenes between Chaucer and Spenser; and in order that the reader may derive distinct and tangible impressions, considerable care has been bestowed on the grouping of the various matters. It is the misfortune of some otherwise excellent books that in them this vital question of arrangement is either utterly neglected or regarded as purely secondary, so that the process of absorbing and digesting their contents is truly formidable. The author has been at pains to consult previous histories (unfortunately, the second volume of M. Jusserand's work appeared too late for the purpose), but happily there have been available for the study of the writings embraced in this sketch many publications, including the editions of the E. E. T. S. and Professor's Arber's reprints. As a general introduction to the literature of the age Dr. Skeat's specimens will be found invaluable. Mr. A. W. Pollard's Fifteenth Century Prose and Verse, though of genuine utility, is hardly representative enough; the collection, indeed, is a little capricious. Omissions, however, are easy, and the author of the present volumes much regrets not having included a notice of that deserving writer, Thomas Wilson, although he has twice mentioned him in the text. |
