"Has there ever been a time when no stories were told? Has there ever been a people who did not care to listen? I think not." Thus begins a journey through the history of English literature, from the early middle ages to the Victorian era. The young person will experience the most well-loved characters of all time, from Beowulf, the warrior who dares to challenge a terrifying and bloodthirsty monster, to virtuous Una of The Faerie Queene, faithful to the end. H. E. Marshall masterfully weaves selections from the stories into her own retelling, leaving the reader with a keen appreciation for the great books that have become the foundation of Western culture. - Summary by cadastra