The Element of Irony in English Literature

Originally published in 1926, this book was formed from the content of an essay which was awarded the Le Bas Prize for 1924. The text presents a concise analysis of the nature of irony in English literature, with special emphasis on 'prophetic irony'. Discussion focuses on examples taken from prose literature, with an introductory section on the meaning of irony. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in English literature and literary criticism.

Preface; 1. Introductory - the meaning of irony; 2. Milton and the dawn of the age of irony; 3. Jonathan Swift; 4. Swift's contemporaries; 5. The further progress of prophetic irony; 6. Irony in perspective.