This concise introduction to the literature of an exciting and influentialperiod opens with an overview of the historical and cultural context in whichEnglish R... » 

This concise introduction to the literature of an exciting and influentialperiod opens with an overview of the historical and cultural context in whichEnglish Renaissance literature was produced and a discussion of itscontemporary and subsequent critical reception. The following chapters surveythe major Renaissance genres of poetry drama and prose. Each chapter providesillustrative case studies of canonical and noncanonical key texts by authorssuch as William Shakespeare Christopher Marlowe Ben Jonson Edmund SpenserJohn Milton Sir Philip Sidney John Donne Aemilia Lanyer Sir Francis BaconThomas Nashe and Lady Mary Wroth. A guide to further reading accompanies eachchapter complemented by a section of student resources at the end of the book.The final chapter summarises significant developments in English Renaissanceliterary culture and discusses the future direction of Renaissance literaryscholarship.Key FeaturesDetailed readings of Spensers The Faerie Queene Miltons Lycidas SidneysAstrophil and Stella Shakespeares Sonnets Venus and Adonis and HamletMarlowes Tamburlaine Jonsons The Alchemist Lanyers The Description ofCookham Bacons Essays Donnes sermons Nashes The Unfortunate Travellerand Wroths The Countess of Montgomerys UraniaA broad overview of Renaissance literature and the context in which it wasproducedAn accessible introduction to Renaissance literary criticism including pastand present debates about the Renaissance canonA variety of study aids including endofchapter summaries of key points aglossary of literary and historical terms a chronology advice on essaywriting sample essay questions and plans and a guide to further reading andelectronic research resources. «