The Land and Literature of England: A H: A Historical Account

by Robert M. Adams

English history. Brown cover and maroon spine.

Genres: History, Reference, Nonfiction

556 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Keeko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. I was lucky that I didn't have to read it for a class because it's so jam-packed with information that I had the luxury to read the little mini-sections in the chapter one day at a time (each one is about two pages). He really makes it all come to life, and he explains things so efficiently and with such personality that there are parts where you feel you've read several books in one. Definitely a good read.

[Brown Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Engaging and colorful but not quite what I wanted. It works better as lay history than literary analysis. I wanted more about the language, more about the ties between landscape and myth, the folk and the lore. Maybe read this in concurrence with Ackroyd's Albion?

[Gabby · Rating 3 out of 5]

college textbook

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent review of the intersection of history, culture, and literature from 1500 BC to 1939.

[Karmon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A readable, informative survey that discusses how literature reflects its period.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

very helpful

[Robert Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book.

[Jeremiah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Adams offers a casual (albeit dry) stroll through the story of English society and culture with the occasional glance at the progression of literature and the arts through each time period. I found the book informative but difficult to finish. It's about 90% history and 10% literature. I certainly learned from it and gained a long list of works to delve into. Adams also generally regards western religious groups as a sort of delusional nuisance to society, particularly the Puritans, and predicts that the plethora of religious choices will lead to a general religious indifference.