Description
Book SynopsisA title that takes on a very big subject: the glorious span of literature from Greek myth to graphic novels, from The Canterbury Tales to Harry Potter. With masterful digressions into various themes - censorship, narrative tricks, self-publishing, taste, creativity and madness - it demonstrates the full depth and intrigue of reading.
Trade Review"Written in prose that is clear and free from the diktat of theory and criticism,
A Little History of Literature is an enjoyable account of a lifelong involvement with literature."—John Vukmirovich,
Times Literary Supplement"As a guidebook, it's a cracker. What Sutherland has to offer is formidable breadth of reading, a generous spirit and a rebounding enthusiasm for his subject."—Sam Leith,
Spectator"I suspect that an expert like John Sutherland could have written this highly entertaining and informative history without recourse to any research at all, having it pretty much at his fingertips; and it reads extremely well, as though he is simply having a chat with us about literature and why it matters."—Lesley McDowell,
Independent on Sunday"
A Little History of Literature, which begins with
Beowulf and ends with bestsellers, is primarily a guide for teenagers, and John Sutherland brings to the vast and unruly subject some order, clarity and commonsense."—Frances Wilson,
New Statesman"John Sutherland is among the handful of critics whose every book I must have. He's sharp-eyed and sharp-tongued, with a generous heart and a wise head."—Jay Parini
