Silence: A Literary History
Silence: A Literary History by Kate McLoughlin examines how silence works across twelve centuries of English literature. The 720-page book ranges from Anglo-Saxon poetry to modern writing, considering religious, political, social and emotional meanings of silence.
At a glance
- Covers English literature from Anglo-Saxon poems through writing shaped by the modern age.
- Explores silence in religious and natural experience, intimacy, theatre, politics, grief, protest and social life.
- Discusses writers including Shakespeare, Milton, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Jane Austen, Tennyson and Virginia Woolf.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Offers a broad, twelve-century literary perspective on a distinctive theme.
- Connects close literary examples with intellectual, cultural, political and religious contexts.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | OUP Oxford |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 26 Mar. 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 720 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 019285562X |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0192855626 |
| Weight listed | 1.22 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 4.5 x 24.2 cm |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in literary history and interpretations of silence across periods and genres.
- Students or general readers exploring English literature, its cultural contexts and its treatment of unspoken experience.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a brief introduction rather than a substantial 720-page study.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
77% 77% - 4 stars
0% 0% - 3 stars
0% 0% - 2 stars
23% 23% - 1 star
0% 0%
Aggregate ratings are generally favourable but include a notable lower-star share. With only a small rating sample and no written feedback supplied, they cannot establish what readers liked or disliked. Consider the substantial length and broad literary-history focus when judging whether the subject suits you.
Frequently asked questions
What period does the book cover?
The description says it traces silences across twelve centuries of English literature, from Anglo-Saxon poetry to writing in the modern age.
Which authors are discussed?
The description names Shakespeare, Milton, Wordsworth, Coleridge, Jane Austen, Tennyson and Virginia Woolf, among others.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 720 pages.
Alternative options
The Humanity of Magic: Enlightenment is a Requirement
£5.95
CHILDREN BY CHOICE?: Double standards, population and the planet
£15.99
Make Effective Communication Skills Your Superpower: Unlock Your Potential, Reduce Social Anxiety, Gain Confidence, Manage Difficult Conversations, and Build Strong Relationships
£12.69
The Sacred Virgin and the Spurned Bride
£7.99
Stations: 'Blisteringly good' GUARDIAN
£16.99
Words Like Weapons: Assertive Language Tactics, Disarming Comebacks, and Mental Techniques to Earn Respect, Sway Others, and Dominate Every Conversation—Staying Calm, Sharp, and in Total Control.
£12.99
Inhabit the Poem: Last Essays
£17.41
Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea: Journeys through Ancient Literature: The Instant New York Times Bestseller
£10.29
