The Legacy of Old World England

In the realm of literature, few countries have a more storied past than England. With its rich history dating back centuries, it's no wonder that this nation has produced some of the most iconic writers in all of history. From William Shakespeare to Jane Austen, these authors have left an indelible mark on the world through their works.

Shakespeare: The Bard of Avon

No discussion about classic English prose and verse would be complete without mentioning William Shakespeare. Known as "The Bard," this Elizabethan playwright is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in all history. Born in 1564, Shakespeare penned such timeless classics as Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Macbeth, Othello, King Lear, Julius Caesar and many others.

Austen: The Mistress of Manners

Jane Austen was another literary giant who made her mark on the world with her witty observations about life during her time. Born in 1775 in Hampshire County (now part of Hampshire), England she wrote novels that captured both humorously satirical insights into society at large while also delving deep into human emotions like love & relationships.

Her works include Sense & Sensibility (1811), Pride & Prejudice (1813) which became a bestseller upon release; Northanger Abbey (published posthumously); Mansfield Park; Emma; Persuasion; Lady Susan - a novella published posthumously by her brother Henry after she had passed away from illness at age 41.

Beyond these two literary giants there were countless other authors who contributed to shaping our understanding what we today call "English Literature." Some notable ones are:

John Milton

George Orwell

Virginia Woolf

Charles Dickens

Samuel Taylor Coleridge