British Literature from 1660 to Present: Introduction

The Restoration (1660-1700)

Restoration literature often reflected and critiqued the political and social dynamics of the time. Writers used satire to address corruption, hypocrisy, and social mores. A hallmark of the period was the emphasis on wit, clever dialogue, and humor. Restoration comedies, in particular, are known for their sharp, often bawdy humor and intricate plots. 

Eighteenth Century: The Augustan Period (1700-1745)

The Augustan period (1700-1745) in British literature, named after the Roman Emperor Augustus and reflecting the perceived parallels between the reigns of Augustus and the contemporary British monarchs, was characterized by a sense of order, clarity, and balance. Literature of this period often imitated the styles and themes of classical Greek and Roman authors. This included the use of classical forms such as the epic, satire, and ode. 

Eighteenth Century: The Samuel Johnson Period (1745-1785)

The Samuel Johnson period (1745-1785), also known as the Age of Johnson, marks a transition from the Augustan to the Romantic period in British literature. This era is characterized by a blend of neoclassical values and emerging romantic sensibilities. Writers often engaged in moral and philosophical reflection, emphasizing human nature, ethics, and personal conduct. The novel became an increasingly prominent literary form, with a focus on realism, character development, and social commentary. 

The Romantic Period (1798–1837)

The Romantic Period, spanning approximately from 1798 to 1837, was a significant era in British literature characterized by an emphasis on emotion, nature, and individualism. This period marked a departure from the previous Age of Enlightenment, which focused on reason and scientific thought. Instead, Romantic writers celebrated the imagination, intuition, and the beauty of the natural world.

The Victorian Period (1837–1901)

The Victorian Period in British literature, spanning from 1837 to 1901 during the reign of Queen Victoria, was characterized by significant social, political, and economic changes. This era saw the rise of the novel as the dominant literary form, reflecting the complexities of the rapidly changing society.

The Edwardian Period (1901–1914)

The Edwardian Period in British literature, spanning from 1901 to 1914 during the reign of King Edward VII, was a time of transition and reflection. This period came after the Victorian era and before the outbreak of World War I. Edwardian literature is often characterized by a continuation of Victorian themes, but with a growing sense of questioning and change as society moved towards modernity.

The Georgian Period (1910–1936)

The Georgian Period in British literature, spanning from 1910 to 1936 during the reign of King George V, is often viewed as a transitional phase between the Edwardian era and the more experimental Modernist movement. The literature of this period is characterized by a range of styles and themes, reflecting the social and political upheavals of the early 20th century, including World War I and the years leading up to it.

The Modern Period (1914–1945)

The Modern Period of British literature, generally considered to span from the early 20th century to the mid-20th century (roughly 1900 to 1945), was a time of significant transformation in literature, reflecting the profound changes in society, politics, and technology. This period is marked by a break with traditional forms and an exploration of new narrative techniques and themes.

The Postmodern Period (1945–present)

Postmodern literature in Britain, emerging after World War II and gaining prominence in the mid-20th century, represents a shift from the modernist focus on subjective experience and fragmentation to a more playful, skeptical, and self-referential approach. Postmodernism questions the nature of reality, the reliability of narratives, and the possibility of objective truth. This period is marked by a blend of high and low culture, irony, pastiche, and an embrace of the absurd and the fragmented.

Welcome to the British Literature guide. This guide acts as a starting point for your research. Consult it to learn where to find books, articles, journals, literary criticism, databases, and other information resources.

Source: Electric Lit