Description: As a brilliant survey of English literature in terms of changing attitudes towards country and city, Williams' highly-acclaimed study reveals the shifting images and associations between these two traditional poles of life throughout the major developmental periods of English culture.
Review Quotes: "The best book by one of the great literary critics of the century. Ideal for courses in English literature and history alike."--Brie Thompson, UCSC
"Williams has undertaken in this book a critical history of English literature from a stimulatingly original point of view."--Robert Hatch, The Nation"Williams' historical viewpoint [is] fused out of the materials of an immensely impressive knowledge of literature, a personal commitment, and a sophisticated sort of impressionism."--Alan Goldfein, Commentary"Its readings are original, its prose is concise, and it is particularly affecting because it expresses its author's concern with its themes."--Naomi Bliven, The New Yorker