English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century

Published in 1904, 'English Literature and Society in the Eighteenth Century' by Leslie Stephen is a historical analysis that examines the relationship between literature and the sociopolitical context of 18th-century England. Through a series of lectures, Stephen discusses the evolution of literary forms and critical methods, emphasizing how literature reflects human thought and societal conditions. He argues that understanding literature requires an appreciation of the philosophical and political influences of the time, marking a shift towards more contextually sensitive literary criticism.