This volume, first published in 2000, addresses literary criticism of the Romantic period, chiefly in Europe. The coverage of the book, focusing on themes and genres but drawing in discussion of the key authors, makes it the standard reference work on the period c.1780-c.1830.

This volume of the celebrated Cambridge History of Literary Criticism series addresses literary criticism of the Romantic period, chiefly in Europe. Its seventeen chapters are by internationally-respected academics and explore a range of key topics and themes. The book is designed to help readers locate essential information and to develop approaches and viewpoints for a deeper understanding of issues discussed by Romantic critics or those that were fundamental to their works. Primary and secondary bibliographies provide a guide for further research. The coverage of the book, focusing on themes and genres but drawing in discussion of the key authors, has made the hardback edition the standard reference work on the period c.1780–c.1830. These remain in many ways the formative years for modern Anglo-American as well as European literary history.