The significant thing is the essentially artistic quality of all literature.” William Long was an American author, a naturalist, and a minister. Among his many works, he is well-known for his compilation of the history of English literature. English Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English Speaking World is a comprehensive guide giving its readers an insight into the historical journey of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon period up till the Victorian Age. The author takes great effort in providing details of authors and their works, besides quoting lines from significant treatises spread over nearly eight centuries making this book an unmatched point of reference for students and researchers in the field of literature