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400
Old English (Anglo-Saxon) Period (450–1066)
These writings belong to such diverse genres as epic poetry, hagiography, sermons, Bible translations, juridical works, chronicles, incantations, riddles and others. A total of about 400 manuscripts from this period have been preserved, a very significant set that arouses the interest of both the public and specialists. -
1066
Middle English Period (1066–1500)
It presents a predominance of religiosity and mystical literature, as well as the exploration of local stories and mythologies in a Christian key. Bestiaries, hagiographies, mystical poetry, hymns and liturgies were the predominant genres, although it was not until the end of the period that the novel emerged. -
1500
The Renaissance (1500–1660)
During this period, literature is characterized by a special interest in human behavior as the main theme of the works. While medieval English literature was nourished by religious themes. -
The Neoclassical Period (1600–1785)
The intention is to leave aside the improvisation and experimentation that manifested itself during the Renaissance, while promoting order and regularization of grammar and spelling. On the other hand, neoclassical literature was characterized by a forceful rejection of fantastic themes. -
The Romantic Period (1785–1832)
One of the genres that was most influenced by romanticism was poetry, within which the authors expressed their rejection of bourgeois and industrialized society on the one hand, as well as a new literary language based on expressions that were absolutely novel for the time, full of subjectivity, irrationality and the artist's freedom from all rules. -
The Victorian Period (1832–1901)
The writings were loaded with moral lessons and criticisms of social problems, clearly drawn from the evils that afflicted the lower classes due to modernization. Despite this and the pessimism that could be glimpsed in several works, heroic and righteous idealism predominated over evil and despair. -
The Edwardian Period (1901–1914)
Was a period in which numerous novels and short stories were published and consumed, and a significant distinction between intellectual literature and popular fiction emerged. -
The Georgian Period (1910–1936)
The themes and subject matter tended to be rural or pastoral in nature, treated delicately and traditionally rather than with passion (like was found in the previous periods) or with experimentation (as would be seen in the upcoming modern period). -
The Modern Period (1914–?)
Common features include bold experimentation with subject matter, style, and form, encompassing narrative, verse, and drama. W.B. Yeats’ words, “Things fall apart; the center cannot hold,” are often referred to when describing the core tenet or “feeling” of modernist concerns. -
The Postmodern Period (1945–?)
Poststructuralist literary theory and criticism developed during this time. Some notable writers of the period include Samuel Beckett, Joseph Heller, Anthony Burgess, John Fowles, Penelope M. Lively, and Iain Banks. Many postmodern authors wrote during the modern period as well.
