English Literature: Modern

"English Literature: Modern" by G. H. Mair is an examination of English literature from the early 1900s. Rather than just listing facts like authors’ lives or dates, Mair looks at the big ideas and trends that shaped literature through the ages. It's a general introduction meant for anyone wanting to understand the extent of modern English literature by looking at themes, particularly the Renaissance and its effect on writing. The book starts with an overview of the Renaissance, showing how it changed the way people thought and created things. Mair explains how this time widened cultural views by bringing back old classical texts and ideas, along with big scientific finds and global exploration. This sparked a new interest in humanism, changing literature by building an appreciation for humans and art.