Review "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 Product 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. About the Author Raymond Williams, Jesus College, Cambridge University.