Living British Literature. From the Anglo-Saxon World to the Early Renaissance

This book offers intermediate learners of English as a Foreign Language an original and stimulating learning experience. It introduces them to the beginnings of British literature, starting from the Anglo-Saxon world and continuing up to the beginning of the Renaissance. The texts chosen cover the development of poetry, narrative and the theatre, and the historical and social context from which they are drawn. No attempt has been made to offer an encyclopaedic survey of all authors and their works. Rather, a representative selection has been made from the various historical periods, including many 'classic' works.

The activities designed in this book are essential for the reader who wishes to access other works of British Literature. The book contains scaffolded exercises that will lead the reader to develop their reading comprehension and to consolidate their knowledge of this literary field. This is in addition to practicing the second language and applying what they have learned through creative activities.

In view of its careful and systematic integration of literature and language, this book will be an indispensable tool for anyone who wishes to get closer to British literature as they improve their English-language skills.

Just as Hamlet concludes that "The play's the thing / Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King", the authors hope that this book will catch the readers' conscience so that they can witness in the present what happened in the past which is still alive among us. "The rest is silence" (Hamlet, Shakespeare); all literature is made of silences.