About the Book:

Clarke has chosen a huge variety of verse - satiric, romantic, tragic - to tell England's national story. What stands out most about this volume is its detailed analysis, sure to convince any reader and to provide new insights even into the best loved of poems. Anyone unconvinced of art's historical importance should pick up this book.

About the Author:

Catherine Clarke is a Professor at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, and Director of the Victoria County History of England. She was previously Professor of English Literature at the University of Southampton, where she remains a Visiting Professor.