History of English Literature

The history of English literature is more than a thousand years old, which has gradually evolved from the Old English Period to the modern era. Literature can be considered as a written record of man’s thoughts, feelings, enthusiasm and aspirations, but today it is not a notion but a reality. Although the history of English literature is not very old, it has its own importance globally.

What is in the History of English Literature?

The written record of English literature is believed to have begun in the 7th century. It encompasses a wide range of forms, including poetry, drama, novels, essays, and literary criticism. The study of the history of English literature not only introduces us to the development of English prose and poetry but also enhances our understanding of the cultural and intellectual progress through the ages. It enriches the reader’s knowledge and helps develop effective communication skills.

Major periods in the history of English Literature

Major Periods in the History of English Literature
Anglo-Saxon Age (c. 500 – 1066)

Anglo-Norman Age (1066 – 1340)

Chaucer’s Age (1340 – 1400)

Transition Age / Total Miscellany Age (1400 – 1557)

Elizabethan Age (1558 – 1603)

Jacobean Age (1603 – 1625)

Caroline Age (1625 – 1649)

Commonwealth (Puritan) Age (1649 – 1660)

Restoration Age (Age of Dryden / Age of the Trident) (1660 – 1700
Age of Pope (1700 – 1745)

Pre-Romantic Age (1745 – 1798)

Romantic Age (1798 – 1832)

Victorian Age (1837 – 1901)

Modern Age (1901 – 1945)

Postmodern Age (1945 – Present)

Periods of History of English Literature in Table format:

S. No.	Period Name	Time Span	Alternative Name(s)
1	Anglo-Saxon Age	500 – 1066
2	Anglo-Norman Age	1066 – 1340
3	Chaucer’s Age	1340 – 1400
4	Transition Age	1400 – 1557	Total Miscellany Age
5	Elizabethan Age	1558 – 1603
6	Jacobean Age	1603 – 1625
7	Caroline Age	1625 – 1649
8	Commonwealth Age	1649 – 1660	Puritan Age
9	Restoration Age	1660 – 1700	Age of Dryden / Age of the Trident
10	Age of Pope	1700 – 1745
11	Pre-Romantic Age	1745 – 1798
12	Romantic Age	1798 – 1832/37
13	Victorian Age	1837 – 1901
14	Modern Age	1901 – 1945
15	Postmodern Age	1945 – Present

Question: Who is the known as the father of English Literature?

Answer: Geoffrey Chaucer
His masterpiece, The Canterbury Tales, written in Middle English, stands as a landmark in literary history and highlights his exceptional storytelling abilities. Chaucer played a vital role in shaping the English language and firmly established it as a respected medium for literary expression.

Why Study the History of English Literature?

We can understand the development of the English language. How its development grew in the history and we can develop our knowledge too. We can discover how literature reflects human values, emotions, and experiences. The effect of English Literature and its History is worldwide among the people.

We can learn about the socio-political context of different ages. For the socio-political context History of English Literature is crucial for us. Appreciate the artistic expression and literary techniques of various writers. It enhances our artistic expressions and literary techniques.

In the History of English Literature we generally read; poetry, prose, drama, novels, criticism etc. Thus we can grow our knowledge through these materials. As we choose to read any text it becomes our intellectual helper.

Helpful Information

If you want to read English literature, you can join our website. An attempt has been made to cover every topic related to English literature on this website. However, due to the vastness of English language and literature, topics cannot be covered on it, but the topics which are very important for us and our study, you will definitely find them on this website. And the best thing is that you will find these topics in a very easy way.

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