Research Resources:
Subject Research Guides:
Literatures in English:
Literary Histories
Use this guide to find information on a literary period or movement or to place a particular author or
work in context. While recent histories are often the most helpful, because of up-to-date scholarship
and sensitivity to current critical trends, older histories can provide valuable insights into the mind
sets and canons of earlier periods.
Cambridge History of American Literature.
The beginnings of a multi-volume history. As of January 2006, Volume 1 (1590-1820), Volume 2 (Prose Writing
1820-1865), Volume 4 (Nineteenth Century Poetry, 1800-1910), Volume 7 (Prose Writing, 1940-1990) and Volume 8 (Poetry & Criticism 1940-1995) are available. Volume 3 (Prose writing, 1860-1920) is on order
ALEXANDER Ref. PS 92.C34.
Cambridge History of Literary Criticism.
So far seven volumes (of a projected nine or more volume set) have been published. Second copies of most volumes are available in the English and Foreign Literature collection in Graduate Reserve.
ALEXANDER PN86.C27 1989.
Cambridge History of Medieval English Literature.
Possibly the beginnings of a new series.
ALEXANDER PR 255.C35 1999.
Columbia History of the American Novel.
ALEXANDER Ref. PS 371.C7 1991.
Columbia History of American Poetry.
ALEXANDER Ref. PS 303.C64 1993.
Columbia History of the British Novel.
ALEXANDER Ref. PR 821.C65 1994.
Columbia History of British Poetry.
ALEXANDER Ref. PR 502.C62 1994.
Columbia Literary History of the United States.
A relatively current general history, with contributions by many scholars. Includes greater attention to the role of women and minorities than did most previous histories.
ALEXANDER Ref. PS 92.C64 1988
Oxford History of English Literature.
An older multi-volume set, each volume written by a leading scholar in the field. Most of the volumes
are dated, but they remain highly readable and informative, though they should be supplemented by more
current sources. The older volumes will also be of interest as indicative of earlier critical
approaches. Alexander Library has just begun to acquire volumes in a brand new set that will supersede
this
one--The Oxford English Literary History.
Volumes so far include
1350-1547 : Reform and Cultural Revolution and
1830-1880 : the Victorians,
1910-1940: The Modern Movement;
1960-2000: The Last of England?;
1948-2000: The Internationalization of English Literature.
ALEXANDER Ref. PR 83.O9.
Oxford Literary History of Australia.
ALEXANDER Ref. PR 9604.3.O83 1998.
