This text in the York Handbooks series is a survey of women's writing in English from the beginning of literature to the present day. A chronological analysis of the great writers of each period is combined with a discussion of the social and political changes in history which have affected the way women have written (or been allowed to write) at any given time. The author also points out links between the work of women from different generations, showing how certain figures have proved influential to the work of women writing in later centuries. The text provides a concise introduction to the field, and includes a summary and glossary of the texts, commentaries and suggestions for further reading. It is suitable for the student at either A-level or first year undergraduate level.