Description
The Outline of Literature by John Drinkwater and Horace Shipp is a celebrated literary reference work that offers a sweeping survey of world literature. First conceived by John Drinkwater, a respected poet, dramatist, and scholar, this comprehensive volume takes readers on a chronological journey through the history of the written word, from the earliest recorded texts to the modern era. Revised and expanded over the years, it captures both the enduring classics and the evolving perspectives brought to light by contemporary scholarship.
This richly illustrated book, featuring eight colour plates and sixty-four monochrome plates, explores literature from ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to twentieth-century works. Each chapter is meticulously updated to reflect the latest academic insights, ensuring it remains both a continuous narrative and a reliable reference for students, teachers, and enthusiasts alike. Ample biographies, insightful commentary, and critical context are woven throughout, maintaining the original spirit of Drinkwater’s engaging and accessible style.
Ideal for lovers of literary history and reference collections, The Outline of Literature is a valuable resource for anyone interested in tracing the evolution of human thought and storytelling through the ages.































