British Literature covers so much ground that it's often difficult for the teacher or student to know where to start. These anthologies present comprehensive views of literature from Old and Middle English (600-1485), through the Renaissance (1485-1660), the Restoration, the Romantic Period (1789-1832), and beyond. These books provide the texts for some of the greatest British writers of all time, including Chaucer, Milton, Shakespeare, and many others. Read on.
1. Norton Anthology of English Literature
W.W. Norton. Used by more than 2,700 colleges and universities around the world, these two volumes provide a great overview of British literature. The books feature information abut the great works of literature, along with biographical information and a timeline. The books include women writers, British drama, and more.
2. Longman Anthology of British Literature
by David Damrosch. Longman, Addison-Wesley. This work covers more than 1,300 years of literary history from the Middle Ages to the present. Each of the two volumes surveys three literary periods. The book features important literary figures, including: Spenser, Milton, Shakespeare, and Wordsworth.3. Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Major Authors
by Richard S. Dunn, Editor, M.H. Abrams (Editor), and Stephen Greenblatt. W.W. Norton. This anthology features the complete text of Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko," Oscar Wilde's "The Importance of Being Earnest," Virginia Woolf's "A Room of One's Own," along with works by Marie de France, Julian of Norwich, Kathrine Phillips, William Hogarth, Olaudah Equiano, Frances Burney, Dorthy Wordsworth, Thomas Carlyle, and others.4. Oxford Anthology of English Literature
by John Hollander and Frank Kermode (Editor). Oxford University Press. This two-volume edition features almost 300 illustrations, introductory material, annotations, and more.