THE AGE OF TRANSITION 1400-1580

The object of the present work is to present a lucid and succinet account of English and Scottish literature during the period that intervenes between Chaucer and Spenser and in order that the reader may derive distinct and tangible impressions, considerable care has been bestowed on the grouping of the various matters. It is the Misfortune of some otherwise excellent books that in them this vital question of arrangement is either utterly neglected or regarded as purely secondary, so that the process of absorbing and digesting their contents is truly formidable. The author has been at pains to consult previous histories but happily there have been available for the study of the writings embraced in this sketch many publications, including the editions of the E. E. T. S. and Professor’s Arber’s reprints. As a general introduction to the literature of the age Dr. Skeat’s specimens will be found invaluable.