A Little History of Literature

A vibrant guide to the world of literature, from dramatic plays to engrossing novels

Literature has inspired every civilisation, from Greek myth to today’s graphic novels. John Sutherland, who has researched, taught and written on the entire glorious span of human literary activity, here guides readers on a journey ‘through the looking glass’ to show how literature from across the world can transport us, transfix us, and teach us about ourselves.

He introduces key works, from the Epic of Gilgamesh and Shakespeare to T.S. Eliot, George Orwell and Margaret Atwood, and looks afresh at literature’s links to power, identity and taste. From the rude jokes within Anglo-Saxon riddles to the guilty pleasures of potboilers and fan fiction, this celebratory guide offers wit, humour and deep learning to all who enjoy literature, and who want to understand it anew.

Little Histories – Inspiring Guides for Curious Minds

Review

"Written in prose that is clear and free from the diktat of theory and criticism, A Little History of Literature is an enjoyable account of a lifelong involvement with literature."--John Vukmirovich, Times Literary Supplement

"This slim book makes for a necessarily cursory review of literature's greats - and the loving treatment by an expert . . . will please both novices and established readers looking to dip back into well-loved works."--Shelf Awareness

"A genial, enthusiastic guide leads a jaunt through literary history. . . . [Sutherland's] aim is not to draw a line between high art and low, but to share his prodigious joy of reading."--Kirkus Reviews

"John Sutherland is among the handful of critics whose every book I must have. He's sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued, with a generous heart and a wise head."--Jay Parini

About the Author

John Sutherland is Emeritus Lord North Professor of Modern English Literature, University College London. He has taught students at every level and is the author or editor of more than forty books including How to Read a Novel and How to be Well Read. The Lives of the Novelists, published by Yale in 2013, was described by one reviewer as ‘a reference book that rocks.’