A History of English Literature is an account of the literary works that found their rightful place in the several periods during its history. Of course, along with these works the authors who contributed them come to our mind. However, a little bit of thinking will provoke us to know what it really is and in what way it proposes to explain the various factors involved in 'the making of all these different kinds of literary compositions.
While studying the History of English Literature, it is imperative to understand the man and the work created by him. In so doing to ask the question what made him to create such a work is also pertinent. Every great writer brings to bear upon his book the imprint of his personality. His originality and the power of expression make him a real genius in the art. In a historical survey like this the writer's individuality does matter. Several aspects of his creativity and genius show themselves out in the process.