In 'A Critical Essay on Characteristic-Writings' by Henry Gally, readers are treated to a thorough examination of various forms of literature, exploring the defining characteristics that make up different genres. Gally's writing style is both meticulous and insightful, providing in-depth analysis of the traits that distinguish one form of writing from another. The book serves as a valuable resource for those interested in literary theory and the study of genre literature during the time it was written. Gally's attention to detail and nuanced interpretation of characteristic writings make this book a standout in the field of literary criticism. Henry Gally, a respected scholar and clergyman, was well-suited to write such a comprehensive analysis of literary genres due to his broad knowledge of literature and his keen eye for detail. His background in theology and literature lent credibility to his work, making 'A Critical Essay on Characteristic-Writings' a significant contribution to the study of literature during his time. I highly recommend 'A Critical Essay on Characteristic-Writings' to readers who are eager to deepen their understanding of literary genres and explore the defining traits that shape different forms of writing. Gally's thorough analysis and insightful commentary make this book a valuable addition to any literary scholar's collection.

George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Why I Write, the first in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell describes his journey to becoming a writer, and his movement from writing poems to short stories to the essays, fiction and non-fiction we remember him for. He also discusses what he sees as the ‘four great motives for writing’ – ‘sheer egoism’, ‘aesthetic enthusiasm’, ‘historical impulse’ and ‘political purpose’ – and considers the importance of keeping these in balance. Why I Write is a unique opportunity to look into Orwell’s mind, and it grants the reader an entirely different vantage point from which to consider the rest of the great writer’s oeuvre. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times

This invaluable book offers the student of literature detailed advice on the entire process of critical essay writing, from first facing the question right through to producing a fair copy for final submission to the teacher.