A Short History of Early Modern England: British Literature in Context

The English Renaissance produced some of the greatest literary works the world has ever known, from the Faerie Queene and Paradise Lost to Hamlet and Macbeth. A Short History of Early Modern England presents students with the crucial historical and cultural information necessary for a richer appreciation and deeper understanding of the literature produced in this period. Following an overview of England’s political and social structures, subsequent chapters explore key historical and literary events, from the Wars of the Roses to the publication of John Milton’s Paradise Regained and Samson Agonistes, with particular attention to the major political and religious developments throughout this transformative era. Written in a clear and accessible style, this is the perfect text to help students familiarize themselves with this remarkable period in English literary history.