During the eighteenth-century, Britain experienced vast social, political, economic, and existential changes, greatly influencing the literary world.  The major forms of verse, poetry, fiction and non-fiction, experimental works, drama, and political prose from writers such as Montagu, Finch, Johnson, Goldsmith and Cowper, are discussed here in relation to their historical context. is essential reading for advanced undergraduates and graduate students of English literature. Topics covered include: