History of English Literature

The history of English Literature begins with the Germanic tradition of the Anglo-Saxon settlers. Beowulf is the earliest and most popular work in Old English Literature. As the Normans conquested England, Middle English replaced the Old English and was used by the father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer in his famous work, The Canterbury Tales. William Shakespeare came to be considered as the most iconic and greatest writer in the history of English Literature as he is revered for his legendary plays and sonnets.

 

 

The history of English Literature begins with the Germanic tradition of the Anglo-Saxon settlers. Beowulf is the earliest and most popular work in Old English Literature. As the Normans conquested England, Middle English replaced the Old English and was used by the father of English Literature, Geoffrey Chaucer in his famous work, The Canterbury Tales. William Shakespeare came to be considered as the most iconic and greatest writer in the history of English Literature as he is revered for his legendary plays and sonnets.

•Old English (Anglo-Saxon Period)450–1066

•Middle English Period1066-1500

•The Renaissance1500-1600

•The Neoclassical Period1600-1785

•The Romantic Period1785-1832

•The Victorian Age1832-1901

•The Edwardian Period1901-1914

•The Georgian Period1910-1936

•The Modern PeriodEarly 20th century

•The Postmodern PeriodMid-20th century