Outlines of English and American Literature An Introduction to the Chief Writers of England and America, to the Books They Wrote, and to the Times in Which They Lived

"Outlines of English and American Literature" by William J. Long is a guide to the most important authors and books of England and America, and the times when they wrote. The book treats the authors as people, not just names from the past, making literature feel alive and exciting. The author begins by talking about his own love for literature and how he wants to bring great books to life by connecting them to real experiences. The book explains what literature is and the difference between books that teach and those that are made for fun. It then maps out how it will journey through the subject, by thinking about how both English and American literature changed over time, discussing important writers, and looking at how they influence us today. This beginning chapter invites the reader to see literature as a living, breathing thing that is woven into our lives.