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The History of English Literature (Unabridged)

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The History of English Literature (Unabridged)

By: Perry Keenlyside
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

English literature may very well be the greatest body of imaginative writing the world has yet seen. The human experience has been understood, interpreted, and conveyed by writers of genius in a tradition stretching through six or more centuries, from Chaucer to Philip Larkin, from Defoe to William Golding. Here, accompanied by a wealth of examples, is the story of a literature that has touched the hearts and stirred the minds of countless readers through the ages.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2001 Perry Keenlyside (P)2001 NAXOS AudioBooks Ltd. Anthologies Anthologies & Short Stories Classics European Literary History & Criticism World Literature Heartfelt

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Editor reviews

It takes some hubris to suppose that you can even sweep through 600 years of British poetry and prose in a 5.3-hour program. The attempt has yielded a listenable and informative production. The narrative is occasionally off the mark and there are lapses. But it is Derek Jacobi's amiable, precise, and lyrical narration, always fresh and committed, that gives the exercise distinction and renders it pleasurable.
All stars
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Listening to the narrator's speak about the history of English Literature. Makes Me want to read more, and to learn about each writer like Shakespeare.

Interesting listening

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With such a huge subject, this brief introduction was always going to be just a rough overview of the main players and themes in English literature. But it manages this well, covering large swathes of history and introducing many new writers I hadn't heard of.

Jacobi is stellar as ever. My only issues with the book were that sometimes it was overly simplistic (e.g. seeing sections modern literature merely through the lens of war), and I wish it was twice as long!

Good introduction and starting point for anyone who doesn't know much on the subject.

Great introduction which skims the surface

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