English literature has a rich history that spans over a thousand years. It can be divided into different periods, each marked by distinct characteristics and prominent writers. The Old English period (c. 450-1066) includes works such as Beowulf and The Seafarer, written in the early form of the English language. The Middle English period (c. 1066-1500) saw the rise of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales and Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The Renaissance period (c. 1500-1660) marked the works of Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Donne, known for their sonnets and plays. The Restoration period (c. 1660-1700) witnessed the emergence of satirical works by authors like John Dryden and Alexander Pope. The Romantic period (c. 1785-1830) featured poets like Wordsworth, Coleridge, and Byron, celebrating nature and emotion. The Victorian period (c. 1832-1901) was known for novelists like Dickens and Hardy, exploring themes of social change and morality. Modern and contemporary periods (c. 20th-21st centuries) have brought new voices and genres like science fiction and postmodernism. Studying the history of English literature provides insights into the evolution of writing styles, themes, and societal values over time.