Masters of British Literature, Volume A: The Middle Ages, the Early Modern Period, the Restoration and the 18th Century

The editors have the challenging task of gathering together a synopsis of British literature from the middle ages to the 18th century. Of course we see Chaucer and Shakespeare. But more diversity is provided. If anything, Shakespeare is deprecated compared to some other texts that you might find on this field. Some people might reasonably decry this. However there is really no shortage of works on Shakespeare, and this book offers a more balanced treatment of other authors. So there is a section on early Irish prose and verse. Certainly something not typically seen in earlier texts. The examples given are historically significant, because they were from a time when the Irish were still quite distinct from the English, including linguistically. Minor English authors like William Dunbar and William Langland are also covered. The book is also distinguished by lovely colour plates scattered through the narrative. These are oils and watercolours that have survived to this day; depicting how people dressed and lived in those years. Ok, granted, you should keep in mind that these were idealisations; the subjects were often well heeled and the artists probably flattered their looks. But the plates do add to the reading pleasure. A worthy addition to the book, even if it did add to the cost of printing.