The rise of English studies: An account of the study of English language and literature from its origins to the making of the Oxford English School

The Rise of English Studies: An Account of the Study of English Language and Literature from its Origins to the Making of the Oxford English School traces the intellectual and institutional journey that shaped English as a modern academic discipline. It offers a compelling historical narrative of how the study of English language and literature evolved from marginal beginnings to a cornerstone of higher education.

Through meticulous research and clear exposition, this work illuminates the figures, debates, and cultural forces that defined the emergence of English studies. It reveals how shifting social, political, and educational priorities influenced the growth of English as both a subject of scholarly inquiry and a means of national and cultural identity.

Readers gain insight into the early teaching traditions, the formation of curricula, and the intellectual tensions that accompanied the institutionalization of literary studies. The narrative connects the philological roots of English study with the development of literary criticism and cultural theory.

Written with academic precision and historical sensitivity, the book serves as both a reference and reflection on the making of modern humanities. It invites scholars to reconsider the legacy of the Oxford English School and its enduring influence on global approaches to language and literature.

A foundational contribution to the history of education and intellectual culture, this volume is essential for readers seeking to understand how English studies became a defining element of academic and cultural life.