This classic work of literary criticism provides insightful analysis of major works of literature, including Shakespeare, Milton, and Goethe. The book focuses on the historical and cultural backgrounds that shaped these works, and provides an understanding of the literary traditions that have influenced them. The book is a valuable resource for students and scholars of literature. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.