The Country and the City [Paperback]

As a brilliant survey of English literature in terms of changing attitudes towards country and city, Williams' highly-acclaimed study reveals the shifting images and associations between these two traditional poles of life throughout the major developmental periods of English culture.

The best book by one of the great literary critics of the century. Ideal for courses in English literature and history alike. --Brie Thompson,UCSC

Williams has undertaken in this book a critical history of English literature from a stimulatingly original point of view. --Robert Hatch,The Nation

Williams' historical viewpoint [is] fused out of the materials of an immensely impressive knowledge of literature, a personal commitment, and a sophisticated sort of impressionism. --Alan Goldfein,Commentary

Its readings are original, its prose is concise, and it is particularly affecting because it expresses its author's concern with its themes. --Naomi Bliven,The New Yorker