A History of Elizabethan Literature

"A History of Elizabethan Literature" by George Saintsbury is a historical account of English literary development during the Elizabethan era, likely written in the late 19th century. This work traces the progress and characteristics of prose and poetry from the beginning of Queen Elizabeth I's reign to the end of the Jacobean period, exploring numerous authors and their contributions to the literary landscape of the time. The opening of the text introduces the context and significance of Elizabethan literature, starting with Tottel's "Miscellany," which marked the dawn of a new poetic era and laid the groundwork for subsequent literary innovations. Saintsbury discusses key figures such as Sir Thomas Wyatt and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey, emphasizing their influence on the evolution of English poetry. He reflects on the transition from medieval poetic conventions to a more personal and introspective form of expression, highlighting the blending of classical influences and the unique characteristics that defined Elizabethan literature. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Edward Bateman Saintsbury, FBA, was an English critic, literary historian, editor, teacher, and wine connoisseur. He is regarded as a highly influential critic of the late 19th and early 20th century.