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

A Short History of Early Modern England presents the historical and cultural information necessary for a richer understanding of English Renaissance literature. Written in a clear and accessible style for an undergraduate level audienceGives an overview of the period’s history as well as an understanding of the historiographic issuesExplores key historical and literary events, from the Wars of the Roses to the publication of John Milton’s Paradise RegainedFeatures in depth explanations of key terms and concepts, such as absolutism and the Elizabethan Settlement Review "Here is much more of both information and entertainment than one expects from a "short history"! Summing Up: Highly recommended." (Choice, 1 October 2011)    From the Inside Flap The Early Modern period in England produced some of the greatest literary works the world has ever known, from the Faerie Queene and Paradise Lost to Dr. Faustus 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. From the Back Cover The Early Modern period in England produced some of the greatest literary works the world has ever known, from the Faerie Queene and Paradise Lost to Dr. Faustus 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. About the Author PETER C. HERMAN is Professor of English and Comparative Literature, San Diego State University, USA. His previous books include Royal Poetrie: Monarchic Verse and the Political Imaginary of Early Modern England (2010) and Destabilizing Milton: ''Paradise Lost'' and the Poetics of Incertitude (2008). His essays have appeared in Renaissance Quarterly, SEL, and Criticism.