These selected essays, ranging from a Bakhtinian study of John Skelton (d. 1529) to a sympathetic critique of Raymond Williams (d.1988), explore a variety of relations between literature and politics, from the appropriation of the radical John Milton to the continuing significance of Robert Tressell. They deploy a range of critical methods, while reflecting shifts in political and intellectual concerns over recent decades Together, they offer a considered contribution to an ongoing debate.

Praise for Sharratt's previous work:
.. an absolutely important first-rate book -Terry Eagleton...