Translation has played a vital part in the history of literature throughout the English-speaking world. Offering for the first time a comprehensive view of this phenomenon, this pioneering five-volume work casts a vivid new light on the history of English literature. Incorporating critical discussion of translations, it explores the changing nature and function of translation and the social and intellectual milieu of the translators.

Closely analyzes the structure, style, themes, and literary heritage of individual poets and prose writers of the Romantic period.

Introduces the elements considered essential to English literature, in which writing became more personal and had a new sense of humanity.