Originally published in 1934, this book contains the second volume of Atkins' 'sketch' of the development of ancient literary criticism. Atkins concludes his history with a look at the styles of literary criticism prevalent after the rise of the Roman Empire, and includes the responses of figures such as Cicero, Tacitus and Lucian to changes in the literature of their day. This work is aimed primarily at those with little to no classical background, and will be of value to anyone with an interest in literary criticism.