A Critical History of English Literature, Volume 2: The Restoration to the Present Day

by David Daiches

Professor David Daiches' Critical History gives the reader a fascinating insight into over twelve centuries of great writing. With enormous intelligence and enthusiasm, he guides the reader through this vastly complex and rich tradition, finely balancing historical background with highly informed criticism. Daiches' groundbreaking work is essential reading for all lovers of literature.

Genres: Nonfiction, Literature, English Literature, History, Reference

688 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 30, 1994

About the author

David Daiches was a Scottish literary historian and literary critic, scholar and writer. He wrote extensively on English literature, Scottish literature and Scottish culture.

He was born in Sunderland, into a Jewish family with a Lithuanian background - the subject of his 1956 memoir, Two Worlds: An Edinburgh Jewish Childhood. He moved to Edinburgh while still a young child, about the end of World War I, where his father, Rev. Dr. Salis Daiches was rabbi to Edinburgh's Jewish community. He studied at George Watson's College and won a scholarship to University of Edinburgh where he won the Elliot prize. He went to Oxford where he became the Elton exhibitioner, and was elected Fellow of Balliol College in 1936.

During World War II, he worked for the British Embassy in Washington, DC, producing pamphlets for the British Information Service and drafting speeches on British institutions and foreign policy.

Daiches' first published work was The Place of Meaning in Poetry, published in 1935. He was a prolific writer, producing works on English literature, Scottish literature, literary history and criticism as well as the broader role of literature in society and culture.

Daiches was the father of Jenni Calder, also a Scottish literary historian.

Reviews

[Pooh Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

A critical History of English Literature by David Daiches Volume 2 From The Restoration to the 1970s. Greatly done work presenting Enlightening History of English literature by giving insights into culture, traditions, values, religion and politics. I would definitely now can say that it's a must read book for a Literature student or also for someone who wants to know about Literature in general. Wonderfully and carefully chosen works and references with enlightening Enthusiasm and deep intelligence of Professor Daiches.
Highly Informing!
Happy reading!✨

[Sarah Mayor Cox]

Have just started dipping into this book - WOW. My copy is circa 1963 with the most beautiful lettering on the front - will have to try to scan it it.

Currently looking up English Novels and Scottish Novels - am on the hunt for Lorna Doone, I think by R.D. Blackmore (the book not the film). Didn't realise it was written in 1869 - film must have been done in the 40s or 50s though.

[abhishek Chakraborty · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this one cover to cover when I was in college. Totally pointless book, very very disordered , and full of incoherent and incorrect interpretations of great works. This book should have been written on papyrus, and should be kept hidden inside a pyramid.

[David Anbu · Rating 1 out of 5]

Waste app ..I thought I could open the boom and read..it is fake ...fuck

[Gowsalya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like this book very much

[Sajjad Poorfarivar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am about to read it.

[Priyanka]

it is good to have this book

[Alice]

its a nice book .

[Anesur Rahaman]

D