English Literature Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English-Speaking World

** "English Literature” by William J. Long is a detailed exploration of English literature that spans from the Anglo-Saxon period to the Victorian Era, designed to spark a passion for reading great works. Crafted in the early 1900s, the book focuses on showing the reader the personal and historical meanings held within literature. It also attempts to chart literature’s progression across time, revealing how it mirrors each age’s beliefs and the principles that have molded the English-speaking world. By discussing the importance of grasping both the pleasure and logical interpretation of literary works, and by stressing the personal aspects evident throughout, it prepares readers for trips into different periods such as the Anglo-Saxon period, with figures of literary importance like Beowulf and Cædmon. **