Modern English literature, from Chaucer to the present day
The book by George Herbert Mair is a comprehensive exploration of English literature from the medieval period to the early 20th century. The book begins with an analysis of Chaucer's works, highlighting his influence on later writers and his contribution to the development of English literature.
Moving on to the Elizabethan era, Mair delves into the poetry and prose of this period, discussing the works of writers such as Shakespeare, Spenser, and Marlowe. He examines the themes and styles of Elizabethan literature, as well as the cultural and historical context in which these works were produced.
The book also covers the development of drama, from the Elizabethan stage to the works of playwrights like Ben Jonson and John Webster in the seventeenth century. Mair explores the evolution of dramatic techniques and themes, as well as the impact of political and social changes on the theater.
The Age of Good Sense, characterized by the works of writers like Swift, Pope, and Addison, is examined in detail, with a focus on the satirical and moralistic elements of their writing. Mair also discusses the influence of Dr. Johnson and his contemporaries on English literature, highlighting their contributions to literary criticism and scholarship.
The Romantic Revival of the late 18th and early 19th centuries is a major focus of the book, with Mair analyzing the works of poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Byron. He explores the themes of nature, emotion, and individualism in Romantic literature, as well as the impact of the French Revolution on English writers.
The Victorian Age is discussed in terms of its social and cultural context, with Mair examining the works of novelists like Dickens, Eliot, and Hardy. He explores the themes of industrialization, social reform, and morality in Victorian literature, as well as the development of the novel as a literary form.
Throughout the book, Mair emphasizes the importance of keeping the English language pure and true to its roots, highlighting the need for writers to maintain a connection to the language's history and traditions. "Nature, from Chaucer to the Present Day" is a detailed and insightful exploration of English literature, offering readers a comprehensive overview of its development over the centuries.
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