The Concise History Of English Literature: A Critical Assessment Of Literature In English From Anglo-saxon Period To Modern Times (2 Vols. Set)

This study in turn should aim first at an understanding of the literature as an expression of the author`s views of life and of their personalities and especially as a portrayal and interpretation of the life of their periods and of all life as they have seen it; it should aim further at an appreciation of each literary work as a product of Fine Art, appealing with peculiar power both to our minds and to our emotions, not least to the sense of beauty and the whole higher nature. In the present book, it should perhaps be added, the word literature is generally interpreted in the strict sense, as including only writing of permanent significance and beauty. The outline discussion of literary qualities which follows is intended to help in the formation of intelligent and appreciative judgements.