This book took a while to read, as you'd expect from a volume covering the history of British Literature from Langland to Heaney. That said, it is eminently readable, and not too dense or "academic". It's great for anyone wanting to get an overview of how Brit lit got to where it is today, or anyone wanting to fill in the gaps of periods they don't know too much about. The author presents all the writers in a balanced, unbiased way, and still manages to convey his deep love of literature - so much so that I'm even prepared to forgive him the heinous crime of making no reference whatsoever to CS Lewis, who blatantly deserves at least a mention for his influence on the work of Tolkien (who is featured.) ( )