In this lively and stimulating study, detailed analysis of the poems is closely grounded in the literary and historical contexts in which Lyrical Ballads was first conceived, realized and subsequently expanded into two volumes. Documenting the revisions of the early edition, John Blades carefully reassesses the poems in the light of Wordsworth's and Coleridge's literary theories, while Part II of the study broadens the discussion by tracing the critical history of Lyrical Ballads over the two centuries since its first publication.

This introduction reflects the recent upsurge in academic interest in Shakespeare's non-dramatic verse. Part 1 adopts a thematic approach to the Sonnets, guiding students through detailed textual analyses. Part 2 provides a clear critical and contextual framework for interpreting the poems, examining the development and characteristics of sonnet form, humanist themes and early modern print culture, concluding with a survey of the critical history of the Sonnets.

The History plays established Shakespeare's reputation as an enormously popular and dramatic storyteller, demonstrating his skill in drawing such astonishing characters as Richard III and Sir John Falstaff. Featuring detailed analyses of extracts, John Blades guides the student through four of Shakespeare's most compelling Histories.
Part I of this stimulating study:
provides clear and engaging close readings of passages from Richard II, Henry IV Parts 1 & 2, and Richard III
examines major themes, characters, language and Shakespeare's dramatic techniques
...

This essential study takes a fresh look at The Winter's Tale, The Tempest, Cymbeline and Pericles. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines the contexts and key criticism. The volume is an ideal introductory guide for those who are studying Shakespeare's late plays for the first time.

This study focuses on how Frankenstein works: how the story is told and why it is so rich and gripping. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Shelley's life, the historical and literary contexts of the novel, and offers a sample of key criticism.

Daniel Defoe's writings have bred controversy since their first appearance in the eighteenth century: 'Robinson Crusoe' fuels virulent disagreements among critics, while Defoe's two scandalous women, 'Moll Flanders' and 'Roxana', can still shock us and challenge the range of our sympathies.

This essential study:
- takes a fresh look at these intriguing novels and leads the reader into close analysis of Defoe's texts, encouraging an open-minded approach to interpretation
- features chapters on the novels' openings, conscience and repentance, society and economics, women and...

Focusing on Songs of Innocence and Experience, this book uses close analysis and interpretation of individual poems to build the reader's confidence when approaching Blake's lyrics. The new edition includes additional textual analyses, expanded contextual material, discussion of the work of recent critics, and fully updated Further Reading.

Paradise Lost is for many the greatest poem written in English. Composed late in the author's life, it deals with nothing less than the destiny of mankind.
This essential introductory guide:
leads the reader into the epic poem through detailed analysis of key extracts, exploring Milton's original thought and style
provides useful sections on 'Methods of Analysis' and 'Further Work' to aid independent study
offers valuable information on Milton's life, times and literary legacy
examines the development of critical opinion and discusses some recent critical views of...

This stimulating study takes a fresh look at two of Dickens' most widely-studied texts. Part I uses carefully selected short extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines the historical and literary contexts and key criticism. The volume is an ideal introductory guide for those who are studying Dickens' novels for the first time.

This stimulating study takes a fresh look at Browning's poetry and key themes. Part I uses carefully selected extracts for close textual analysis, while Part II examines Browning's life, contexts and a sample of criticism. The volume is an ideal introductory guide for those who are studying Browning's poems for the first time.