Eight Essayists

Book Details:

• Author: A. S. Cairncross

• ISBN: 9789386202918

• Edition: First 2025

• Pages: 248

About the Book:
The essay is one of the most intimate literary forms in English literature, often striking up an informal dialogue between the reader and the essayist. The word "essay" originates from the French word essai, meaning "attempt," reflecting the writer's effort to crystallize one aspect of experience and share it in written form.

This anthology has been developed for students of English literature in Indian universities, offering an introduction to eight eminent authors from the past five centuries. Many of these authors have excelled in other branches of literature, and this selection aims to illustrate the general trend in the development of the essay as a literary form.

Recognizing that studying these works for exams can be a daunting task, this special edition provides several student aids, including:

• Paraphrase of key texts

• Extensive wordnotes and annotations

• Notes on the authors

• Critical comments to deepen understanding

This edition makes the study of these essays more accessible, enhancing both comprehension and engagement for students.