Rutgers University
Rutgers University: The Plan of an English Dictionary (1747) by Samuel Johnson
Read actual text from Dr. Johnson's, The Plan of an English Dictionary (1747), as he explains his motivations for undertaking the task of writing the English Dictionary. Johnson also expounds upon the process and outcome.
Virginia Commonwealth University
On American Romanticism: Definitions From a Handbook to Literature
This page, from A Handbook to Literature, provides a definition of Romanticism and identifies characteristics of the Romantic movement. Describes the Romantic Period in American literature and names major writers of the period.
W. W. Norton
Norton Anthology: The Linguistic and Literary Contexts of "Beowulf"
Use these online resources from the "Norton Anthology of English Literature" to provide both depth and breadth to your understanding of the poem "Beowulf," whether you are a student reading it for the first time or a teacher preparing to...
Other
Cal Poly Univ.: Metaphysical Poetry & English Composition
A wonderful essay by Steven Marx of Cal Poly University about teaching metaphysical poetry. Gives insight to the literary style and the poets Donne, Herbert, and Marvell.
W. W. Norton
W. W. Norton & Company: Norton Anthology: Victorian Age Topics in Literature
This resource discusses four controversies that concerned the Victorians: evolution, industrialism, what the Victorians called "The Woman Question," and Great Britain's identity as an imperial power. Includes multiple-choice quiz and...
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: A Dictionary of the English Language
Read an overview of "A Dictionary of the English Language" by Samuel Johnson and view additional resources such as articles and collection items.
Other
Goucher English / General Prologue
This site, prepared for college English literature students, deals with the following aspects of Chaucer's General Prologue from "The Canterbury Tales": Genre, Form, Characters, Summary, Issues, and General Sources. Also contains...
British Library
British Library: Language & Literature: Dictionaries and Meanings
Article discusses the history of English dictionaries over a five-hundred-year period. Includes selections from Samuel Johnson's dictionary of 1755 and the Oxford English Dictionary. With useful comments about the origins of words,...
National Endowment for the Humanities
Neh: Edsit Ement: A Prelude to Beowulf
Before reading the Anglo-Saxon epic poem, "Beowulf," students should explore the Dark Ages through researching the fundamental characteristics of the art and literature produced during this period. This website provides links for doing...
Blackdog Media
Classic Reader: Penelope's English Experiences by Kate Douglas Wiggin
Classic Reader provides numerous classic works from famous authors. This early 1900's work was written by Kate Douglas Wiggin, the author famously known for Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: Life of Milton by Samuel Johnson
This annotated version of Johnson's Life of Milton contains hyperlinks to explanatory notes added by the editor of the online edition.
Rutgers University
Rutgers University: The Life of Pope by Samuel Johnson
This is an online edition of a text printed in 1905. An abridged version is also available.
Other
Peacock: The Round Table; Or King Arthur's Feast
Annotated full text of Peacock's story "The Round Table; or King Arthur's Feast."
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg: The Professor by Charlotte Bronte
Published under the pseudonym of Currer Bell, this is one of Bronte's earliest works, formatted for online reading.
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806 1861)
Read the full text of Elizabeth Barrett Brownings poems, including the audio of "Sonnets from the Portuguese 43". Includes a short biography.
Poetry Foundation
Poetry Foundation: Robert Browning (1812 1889)
This resource is dedicated to the poet, Robert Browning. With links to many of his poems, podcasts discussing his works, and related articles.
Project Gutenberg
Project Gutenberg: Confessions of an Inquiring Spirit by Coleridge
The complete text of this literary work is available to download or read online in multiple digital formats.
Bartleby
Bartleby.com: The Battle of Maldon, or Byrhtnoth?s Death
This article, from the Cambridge History of English and American Literature, provides an overview of the patriotic poem, the Battle of Maldon.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: An Introduction to Restoration Comedy
This article introduces the characters, conventions, and historical context of Restoration comedy, and explores what the genre has to say about gender, courtship, and class.
Other
Athabasca University: Centre for Language and Literature: Drew Hayden Taylor
Drew Hayden Taylor is First Nations Canadian playwright. In addition to biographical information, there are links to bibliographies here.
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: 'Reason Is but Choosing': Freedom of Thought and John Milton
From his politics and religious writings to "Paradise Lost", this article traces how the life and work of John Milton were guided by the principle of freedom of thought and how in doing so he challenged fundamental aspects of...
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: The Turbulent 17th Century
The 17th century was a time of great political and social turmoil in England, marked by civil war and regicide. This article introduces the key events of this period, from the coronation of Charles I to the Glorious Revolution more than...
British Library
British Library: Discovering Literature: Andrew Marvell and Politics
Andrew Marvell was a poet, but he was also a politician and a civil servant at a time of tremendous upheaval. This article investigates how Marvell and his writing negotiated the civil wars, Oliver Cromwell's government, and the...
Global Catholic Network
Global Catholic Network: Saint Bede Confessor, Doctor of the Church
Biography of St. Bede, followed by the preface to the "Ecclesiastical History of England" and another excerpt in modern English.
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