"In the eighteenth century the literary world was the real world. Writers did not shut themselves off from common experience: they involved themselves in politics, science and travel.

Illuminating both the detail and the major features of English culture in the first half of the eighteenth century - from pineapples to chronometers, from theories of cosmic harmony to party politicsthis book gives students a full context within which to read both the classic and the non-canonical texts of this tumultuous century. Works such as Robinson Crusoe, The Rape of the Lock, Tom Jones and Gulliver's Travels are discussed alongside lesser-known writings which contribute to the diversity and richness of texture of the period's literary production.

Cultural themes covered include travel, science and women's writing."--BOOK JACKET.