Author Description

From inner sleeve (1953 edition):Émile Legouis here presents a new survey of the whole history of English literature, from Anglo-Saxon times to the present day. As the work of a French scholar of the highest distinction, carried out with characteristic French acuteness and lucidity of statement, it has outstanding value for English readers. Attention is focused upon the greater writers, but Professor Legouis has succeeded in presenting a consecutive view of the main course of development and leading characteristics of every period of English literature. Within a framework of division by period, the treatment follows the subject division of poetry, prose and the drama.