The lives and works of some of the most significant authors in English literature are covered in detail in John W. Cousin's book ‘A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature.’ The book includes entries on poets, novelists, essayists, playwrights, and other writers from the medieval era until the early 20th century. Each entry includes a brief biography of the author as well as a summary of their most important literary productions and innovations. The book also has a thorough index and a list of recommended reading materials. To assist readers grasp the value of each author's work, Cousin's writing is straightforward and succinct, and he takes care to include context and background information. For students, academics, and anybody else interested in the history of English literature, the book is an invaluable tool.
John William Cousin was a British writer and literary historian, best known for his work on English literature. Born in 1849 in London, Cousin began his career as a journalist, working for various newspapers and magazines. He later turned his attention to literary history and criticism and became a respected authority on the subject. Cousin is best known for his "A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature," which was first published in 1910. The book remains a valuable resource for students and scholars of English literature and has been widely praised for its comprehensive coverage and clear, accessible writing style. In addition to his work on literary history, Cousin was also an accomplished editor and anthologist and published several collections of poetry and prose. His other works include 'A Short History of English Literature,' 'A History of the Edinburgh Review,' and 'A Handbook to the Works of Robert Browning.'