English literature refers to literature written in the English language, including works from the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries where English is spoken.

It is one of the most diverse and influential bodies of literary works globally, spanning a vast range of historical periods, genres, and styles. English literature encompasses canonical works and popular fiction, non-fiction prose, drama, and poetry.

English literature has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in society, culture, and intellectual thought. It plays a vital role in shaping cultural identity, preserving history, and fostering creativity and critical thinking.

Some key historical periods and movements within English literature include:

• Old English Literature (c. 650-1100): Beowulf is a notable work from this period.
• Middle English Literature (c. 1100-1500): Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales is a significant example.
• Renaissance Literature (c. 1500-1660): Includes the works of William Shakespeare, Christopher Marlowe, and Edmund Spenser.
• Neoclassical Literature (c. 1660-1798): Characterized by writers such as John Dryden, Alexander Pope, and Jonathan Swift.
• Romantic Literature (c. 1798-1837): Features authors like William Wordsworth, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Lord Byron, and Mary Shelley.
• Victorian Literature (c. 1837-1901): Encompasses the works of Charles Dickens, the Brontë sisters, George Eliot, and Thomas Hardy.
• Modern Literature (c. 1901-1945): Includes authors like James Joyce, Virginia Woolf, T.S. Eliot, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
• Postmodern Literature (c. 1945-present): Features writers such as Samuel Beckett, Joseph Heller, Kurt Vonnegut, and Toni Morrison.

To further research, reputable sources include:

• The British Library
• Oxford Bibliographies - English Literature