The English Ode to 1660: An Essay in Literary History is a book written by Robert Shafer and published in 1918. The book is a comprehensive study of the development of the English ode, a type of lyric poem that celebrates a particular subject, from its origins in classical literature to the end of the seventeenth century. Shafer traces the evolution of the ode from its earliest forms in ancient Greece and Rome to its emergence in English literature during the Renaissance. He then examines the work of major English poets such as Ben Jonson, John Milton, and Andrew Marvell, who contributed to the development of the ode as a distinct literary genre. The book also explores the political and social context in which the ode was written, including the English Civil War and the Restoration period. Shafer argues that the ode played a significant role in shaping English literary culture during this time, reflecting the changing attitudes and values of the society in which it was produced. Overall, The English Ode to 1660 provides a detailed and insightful analysis of the history and significance of the ode in English literature. It is a valuable resource for scholars and students of literary history, as well as anyone interested in the evolution of poetic forms and their cultural context.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.