Historical Manual of English Prosody

Name: Historical Manual of English Prosody
Author: George Saintsbury

By George Saintsbury

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About This Book

A compact manual surveys English prosody, combining theory, practical rules, and historical illustration. It examines competing systems—accentual/stress, syllabic, and foot—then sets out detailed guidance on feet, substitution, pause, line-combination, and rhyme. Parallel chapters trace development through earlier to later stages of English verse, offering continuous scansion examples and stanzaal analyses. The work includes a full glossary, contents, and index and is aimed at advanced secondary and university students and informed general readers seeking a thorough but accessible treatment of verse-structure and rhythm.

About the Author

George Saintsbury

George Saintsbury (1845-1933) was a prominent English literary critic, historian, and scholar, known for his extensive contributions to the study of literature. His works often explore the evolution of literary forms and styles, with notable titles including "A History of Elizabethan Literature" and "A History of the French Novel." Saintsbury's scholarship is characterized by a deep appreciation for the nuances of literary criticism and taste, as seen in his multi-volume series on European literary criticism. He also authored essays and manuals that reflect his expertise in English prosody and literature, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.