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English Literature: Overview

A guide for academic English Literature and related literatures.

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Need suggestions for print books? Books about Language and Literature are in the "P" section. Here are some subjects, to get you started.        

  • P Linguistics & Philology, Rhetoric, Composition & Communication
  • PE English language
  • PN Literary History & Collections (General)
  • PR English literature 
  • PS American Literature

For a more detailed list of subjects, take a look at the Library of Congress Language and Literature list.

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English Literature Overview

Introduction

English literature, the body of written works produced in the English language by inhabitants of the British Isles (including Ireland) from the 7th century to the present day. The major literatures written in English outside the British Isles are treated separately under American literatureAustralian literatureCanadian literature, and New Zealand literature.

Works Cited

"English literature." Britannica Academic, Encyclopædia Britannica, 22 May. 2024. academic.eb.com/levels/collegiate/article/English-literature/106051#12744.toc. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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