A History of Elizabethan Literature

"A History of Elizabethan Literature" by George Saintsbury is a journey through the rich tapestry of English writing during Queen Elizabeth I's reign. The book acts as a guide, mapping the evolution of both prose and poetry from the era's start through the Jacobean period. It spotlights a variety of authors and their lasting contributions, beginning with the spark of innovation ignited by Tottel's "Miscellany." Saintsbury casts a light on important figures like Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, showing how they reshaped English poetry. The narrative captures the shift from old-fashioned poetic styles to more personal and thoughtful forms, emphasizing the fusion of classical ideas with the unique spirit that came to define Elizabethan literature.