English literature: useful series of books
Some series, such as the Arden new Cambridge and Shakespeare editions, have lengthy and very useful introductions.
Arden Shakespeare / New Cambridge Shakespeare / Oxford Shakespeare
822.33-SHA
Reputable critical editions of Shakespeare’s texts with scholarly annotations, recommended by the School of English and American Literature
Blackwell companions to literature and culture
Various Call Numbers
A well established series of critical works, covering major themes and genres in literature.
Cambridge Companions
Introductions to major writers, topics and periods.
Available online, many are available in print in the Library too. Search the Unicorn catalogue for "cambridge companions" to find these.
Early English Text Society series
820.6-EAR
A useful series for scholarly editions of primary texts
Middle English texts
820.8-MID
A useful series for scholarly editions of primary texts
Oxford English literary history
820.9-OXF
Important series of historical and critical writing covering different literary periods
Renaissance English Text Society series
Various Call Numbers