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Kingsley Wu
History of English Literature
The history of British literature can be recalled to 7th century.To this day,British literature has been constantly developing and evolving, which has accompanied the changes in British cultural, social, and political and global changes.
English literature spans over a thousand years, each with its own defining characteristics and major authors. Major periods include Old English (c. 450–1066), Middle English (1066–1500), Renaissance (c. 1500–1603), Romantic (1789–1837), and Victorian (1837–1901), with its history shaped by linguistic changes, foreign influences, and social and political events.
Major periods in English literature
Old English Period
Old English Period (450-1066):Marked by the settlement of Anglo-Saxon tribes in Britain, this period is defined by oral traditions and epic poetry.
Middle English Period
Middle English Period (1066-1500):The Norman Conquest of 1066 introduced significant French influence, leading to a new form of English. This era saw the rise of authors like Geoffrey Chaucer and the flourishing of a dual poetic tradition, blending Germanic alliterative verse with French-style rhyme.
Renaissance Period
Renaissance Period (1500-1660) :Also known as the Age of Revival, this period saw a renewed interest in classical learning and humanism. It is often considered the "Golden Age of English Drama," with the works of playwrights like William Shakespeare emerging during this time.​
18th Century Literature
18th Century Literature (1700-1800):Also called the Age of Enlightenment, this era was characterized by a focus on reason and science, leading to the rise of genres like the essay.​
Modernist and Contemporary
Modernist and Contemporary Literature (1901-Present):This broad category includes literary movements like Modernism, which experimented with new forms and styles after World War I, and Postmodernism, which became more prominent in the latter half of the 20th century.
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