Formerly published in 8 volumes, this new edition is produced in 3 large volumes. Volumes 1 and 2 are an A to Z listing of important writers in English literature. More than 800 writers, from the Beowulf poet onward are represented. All entries include a biography, a complete bibliography by genre, a further reading list and a signed critical/evaluative essay on the writer and their work. Volume 1 contains 12 survey articles and general reading lists on the main genres and periods of English literature.