The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Literature [antikvár]

PREFACE This work is based upon Sir Paul Harvey's Oxford Companion to English Literature, which, first published in 1932, several times reprinted, and now in its second edition, has established itself as a standard work. In preparing the abridgment, it has been necessary to eliminate a great deal of the detailed information which is contained in the original work. But aU those entries which deal with the central matter of English literature have been retained, though often in a shortened form; authors and works of importance, characters from books and plays, and mythological and historical entries which relate directly to English hterature, are included. Certain articles have been added, summarizing in concise form periods of literary history and general Hterary subjects. A somewhat greater number of entries are also included dealing with contemporary writers, both English and American. The editor wishes to thank Sir Paul Harvey for his care in reading the proofs of this abridgment. At the same time, it should be made clear that the editor alone is responsible for such differences as there are between the material in this voliime and in the Oxford Companion to English Literature. The editor wishes also to thank Mr. J. A. W. Bennett of Merton College, Oxford, Mr. Frederick Page, and Mr. Charles Williams for the contributions of accuracy which they have made to this volume, and Dr. R. W. Chapman particularly for his notes on questions of pronunciation. July, 1939 JOHN IMULGAN