Continuum's "Introductions to British Literature and Culture" series provide practical guides to key literary periods. Guides in the series help to orientate students as they begin a new module or area of study, providing concise information on the historical, cultural, literary and critical context and acting as an initial map of the knowledge needed to study the literature and culture of a specific period. Each guide includes an overview of the historical period, intellectual contexts, major genres, critical approaches and a guide to original research and resource materials in the area, enabling students to progress confidently to further study.
"The Guide to Medieval Literature and Culture" provides students with the ideal introduction to literature and its context from the 7th to 15th centuries, including: the historical, cultural and intellectual background including religion and philosophy, society and politics, art and culture; major works and genres including religious literature, history writing, drama, Chaucer, and Langland; concise explanations of key terms needed to understand the literature and criticism; key critical approaches to medieval literature from the Renaissance to the present; and a chronology mapping historical events and literary works and further reading including websites and electronic resources.