The value of this readable account lies in the perspective it gives on the long process that established modern historical sense and the understanding of literary change and development. Though not primarily a history of English scholarship, careful attention has been given the rediscovery of early literature, history of critical thought, and the linguistic science in the eighteenth century. Originally published in 1941. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.