Evans and Sterling, both of Auburn University, have produced not only a guide to British seventeenth-century literature, but also a handy reference to current trends in criticism. The book
provides a timeline and an overview of the major historical events, primarily the Civil War, Interregnum and Restoration. This is followed by mini-biographies of some of the important writers
along with literary and cultural movements, including the Royal Society, which, as Margaret Cavendish discovered, did not care what women thought. The handbook, however, notes recent work on
women writers of the day as well as attitudes toward homosexuality and race. Essays explaining ways to read and analyze a work are excellent as is the explanation of the many ways to interpret
one poem according to various literary theories. There is a glossary and solid biography for further research. The chapter on teaching the literature is the classroom is only available on line.
The handbook is intended for use by teachers with sections to be used by students. However the articles on theory and analysis could be used in any literature class bewildered by the plethora
of viewpoints on literary interpretation. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
