'... a brilliantly designed textbook, thoughtfully conceived and appealingly presented, clearly showing how literature is vibrantly alive in and to the world in which it was written. Both students and teachers will find this book of great use and genuine interest.'

David Scott Kastan, Columbia University

'... an excellent and invaluable guide, sure to enhance the student’s encounter with major works and authors on an English degree course. If there’s one book students should have alongside them as they study the primary sources, this is it.'

Elaine Treharne, Florida State University

'This is certainly a book which I would recommend as required reading for students ... at present such an overarching and detailed textbook like this does not exist and would therefore be an excellent addition to an English degree course.'

Claire Brock, University of Leicester