A Century of English Essays: An Anthology Ranging from Caxton to R. L. Stevenson & the Writers of Our Own Time

"A Century of English Essays" by Ernest Rhys and Lloyd Vaughan is a collection of essays compiled during the early 20th century. This anthology features a broad range of English essays spanning several centuries, showcasing insights into life, manners, and customs, while weaving in the rich tapestry of the English countryside. The selected works aim to illustrate the evolution of the essay as a literary form and its connection to everyday experiences. The opening of this work includes a detailed introduction, providing context for the essays that follow. The introduction discusses the criteria for selection, emphasizing the importance of showcasing personal expression in essay writing. It acknowledges key influences such as Montaigne, Bacon, and other seminal essayists while highlighting the fluid, conversational style characteristic of great essays. The section sets the foundation for the anthology by underscoring the essay's significance as a genre that captures individual viewpoints and reflections, establishing an inviting atmosphere for readers to explore the various themes covered in the subsequent essays.