A history of British, Irish and American literature

Published in 2003, this literary history offers a comprehensive exploration of significant works from the Anglo-Saxon period to 21st-century postmodernism, making the vast landscape of British, Irish, and American literature more accessible. It emphasizes notable prose, poetry, drama, and nonfiction, particularly focusing on literature published after 1900 that remains relevant in academic discussions today. A distinctive feature is the integration of visual material, including 160 images in the text and a CD-ROM containing the full text along with 460 illustrations, many in color. This visual component highlights the interplay between literature and art throughout various periods. The book presents both highbrow literature and popular works, providing insights into what academic critics recommend and what the post-capitalist market offers as entertainment. Additionally, it includes discussions on non-fiction genres such as literary criticism, travel writing, and social sciences, as well as contemporary popular genres like crime fiction and fantasy. An appendix features a detailed bibliography for further reading, a glossary of literary terms, chronological tables for British/Anglo-Irish and American literatures, and an index, enhancing the reader's understanding and engagement with the material.