British literature

British literature is literature from the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The largest part of this literature is written in the English language, but there are also separate literatures in the Welsh language, Scottish Gaelic, Scots and other languages. Northern Ireland is the only part of Ireland still part of the United Kingdom and it possesses literature in English, Ulster Scots and Irish. Irish writers have also played an important part in the development of English-language literature.

Early modern English literature to 1660

The sonnet form and other Italian literary influences arrived in English literature. The sonnet was introduced into English by Thomas Wyatt in the early 16th century.

Related Topics:
Sonnet - Thomas Wyatt

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In the later 16th century English poetry was characterised by elaboration of language and extensive allusion to classical myths. The most important poets of this era include Edmund Spenser and Sir Philip Sidney.

Related Topics:
Edmund Spenser - Sir Philip Sidney

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The most important literary achievements of the English Renaissance were in drama. William Shakespeare wrote over thirty-five plays in several genres, including tragedy, comedy, history and romance. Other leading playwright of the time included Ben Johnson, and Christopher Marlowe.

Related Topics:
English Renaissance - William Shakespeare - Tragedy - Ben Johnson - Christopher Marlowe

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• Elizabethan theatre

At the Reformation the translation of liturgy and Bible into vernacular languages provided new literary models. The Anglican Book of Common Prayer and the Authorised Version of the Bible have been influential on the literatures of the islands.

Related Topics:
Reformation - Liturgy - Bible - Book of Common Prayer - Authorised Version

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The major poets of the 17th century included John Donne and the other Metaphysical poets, and John Milton, the author of the religious epic Paradise Lost.

Related Topics:
17th century - John Donne - Metaphysical poet - John Milton - Paradise Lost

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• Metaphysical poets