This guide to eighteenth-century literature and culture provides students with the ideal introduction to literature and its context from 1688-1789, including: the historical, cultural and intellectual background including the expansion of cultural production and the growth of "print culture"; major writers, genres and groups; concise explanations of key terms needed to understand the literature and criticism; an overview of key critical approaches; a chronology mapping historical events and literary works; and a guide to further reading, including websites and electronic resources.

Paul Goring is Professor of British Literature and Culture at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.

1. Introduction
2. Historical, Cultural and Intellectual Context
- Politics and Society
- Religion, Science and Philosophy
- Arts and Culture
3. Literature in the Eighteenth Century
- Introduction
- Major Genres
- Literary Groups
4. Critical Approaches
- Historical Overview
- Current Issues and Debates
5. Resources for Independent Study
- Chronology of Historical Events, Cultural Events and Publications
- Glossary of Key Literary Terms and Concepts
- Further Reading and Resources
Works Cited
Index