ENGLISH LITERATURE BEFORE
CHAUCER.
By P. G. THOMAS, M. A.,
Reader in English Language and Literature in the University
of London.
One Volume. Demy 8 vo. 8 s. 6 d. net.
The time has gone by in which it was possible to speak of Chaucer “the Father of English poetry.” He will always remain one of its greatest masters, but investigation into the sources of English literature has brought to light materials many centuries older, and these not merely of antiquarian interest, but evidently the products of an advanced civilization.
In this book the author has set himself the task of giving within moderate compass and without excessive detail a reasoned serial recital of the examples we possess of Old and Middle English literature, and an illuminating exposition of their value and characteristics, both linguistic and literary, thus bringing into clear perspective the development of the various forms which served as the prototypes for later work.
Not only will the book prove a useful introduction to the student preparatory to a more detailed study of individual texts, but the reader whose literary interests are more general, and to whom this period has been perhaps a terra incognita, will find much to attract him in the early examples of English epic poetry, romance, lyric, satire, and the short story, with whose later manifestations he is familiar.
TRAGEDY.
By W. MACNEILE DIXON, Ll. B., Litt. D.
Professor of English Language and Literature in the University
of Glasgow.
Crown 8 vo. Probable price, 6 s. net.
