This guide to eighteenth-century literature and culture provides students with the ideal introduction to literature and its context from 1688-1789, including: the historical, cultural and intellectual background including the expansion of cultural production and the growth of "print culture"; major writers, genres and groups; concise explanations of key terms needed to understand the literature and criticism; an overview of key critical approaches; a chronology mapping historical events and literary works; and a guide to further reading, including websites and electronic resources.
1. Introduction; 2. Historical, Cultural and Intellectual Context; - Politics and Society; - Religion, Science and Philosophy; - Arts and Culture; 3. Literature in the Eighteenth Century; - Introduction; - Major Genres; - Literary Groups; 4. Critical Approaches; - Historical Overview; - Current Issues and Debates; 5. Resources for Independent Study; - Chronology of Historical Events, Cultural Events and Publications; - Glossary of Key Literary Terms and Concepts; - Further Reading and Resources; Works Cited; Index.
