Based on the discussion above, we recommend the following:
An Introduction to English Criticism by B. Prasad (often referred to as Brijadish Prasad) is a foundational textbook widely used in undergraduate and postgraduate English Literature courses. It provides a comprehensive historical overview of the development of literary criticism, tracing it from classical antiquity through the modern era. Core Structure and Coverage
: Examining a work against its historical background and the author's life. Moral Criticism : Evaluating literature in relation to human ethics. Formalist/Analytical Criticism
This digital library often carries older editions of B. Prasad’s work that can be borrowed for free legally.
Prasad’s pedagogical tone is practical: chapters commonly end with sample readings, discussion questions, and exercises. Methodologically, he combines:
Often called the father of English criticism, Dryden’s An Essay of Dramatic Poesy is a conversation between characters representing different views (Ancients vs. Moderns, French vs. English drama).
B. Prasad is not a great critic; he is a great summarizer . Think of him as the CliffsNotes of literary criticism. You crack open Prasad when you need to pass an exam. You crack open the original critics (Aristotle, Longinus, Sidney) when you want to become a scholar.