Secondary schools review new literary history handbook
"I can't believe that nobody's written such a useful and accessible book on this subject before."
"It is detailed enough to be educational and wide-ranging enough to set the classics in context."
"At last there's something I can recommend to students and parents that isn't flippant like the Horrible Histories and their ilk. I like the way it balances seriousness and facts with being chatty... I can see myself using this volume for years to come."
"[Cheshire's] enthusiasm shines off every page... The chapter on what makes reading special should be read out in school assemblies regularly."
"What I liked best about this was the obvious love of literature on display. If pupils read this and don't want to go and try some of the titles and authors mentioned, there really is no hope!"
"I was very impressed with the way it introduces some quite advanced ideas in a straightforward way. It's not afraid to mix genre reading with more academic studies, and make both feel exciting and interesting."
"A useful guide which is very accessible."
The paperback edition has also had some great reviews from readers:
"This is a really good book for anyone who wants to know - or perhaps thinks they ought to know - more about literature. It's written in a very easy to read style, so it's totally painless learning. There are lots of short chapters about various famous authors, and plenty of other information about books and writers too. I've even learnt about Hollywood scriptwriting and why you should call a book a codex instead! Interesting and absorbing stuff."
"This fascinating, well-researched book is a 'must read' for anyone interested in writers and a boon to Year 8+ teachers of English literature. Cheshire writes clearly and incisively, with a nice touch of wit. Beginning with the origins of writing, he guides us through printing, famous books that changed the world and the mechanics of a good plot, to the present day. On the way he covers the 'Literary Greats', providing background history and illuminating life stories. Clearly laid out, the book has black and white illustrations and photographs."
"I got this because it was on the list of recommended reading for my daughter's GCSE course. I read it myself after my daughter said how good it was, and I have to agree with her. Although I'm quite a keen reader, I've never really been interested in literature as such, but this has taught me all sorts of things about many different writers. It's inspired me to have a go at some more Dickens, and I'm even tempted to go and see some Shakespeare. I certainly wish I'd had something like this when I was at school."
Thank you!
