The textbook on the history of the development of English literature from the early Middle Ages to the beginning of the 21st century shows the most important laws of the literary process, as well as the specific features of the work of the most significant poets, playwrights, novelists, the originality of the individual method of each of them. For students of philological and linguistic faculties of higher pedagogical educational institutions. It can be useful to teachers of humanitarian gymnasiums, lyceums, as well as everyone who is interested in English literature.