The Renaissance : English literature in its historical, cultural and social contexts

A discussion of the Renaissance and its literature.

It sets out the political, social and economic framework of the period, and provides an introduction to various genres.

The author covers the historical background of the period, including religion, scientific discoveries and exploration, and then studies dramatic works from the morality play to Jacobean tragedy and Shakespeare's theatre, and poetry and prose.

Each chapter features a further reading list and there is a comparative time-line, a biographical glossary and a list of websites.

The volume is part of a series which sets writers and literary works of different types and periods in their historical, social and cultural context and provides an introduction to various genres.