First published in 1923, as the second edition of a 1908 original, this book presents an account of French literature during its ‘transition from the Renaissance to the Classical Age’. The text was written by the renowned Cambridge Classical scholar and literary critic Arthur Augustus Tilley (1851-1942). Rather than provide a complete literary history, Tilley focuses on ‘the various forces, political, religious, social, and literary, which helped bring about change.’ A chronological table and English translations are included in the appendices. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in literary criticism, the writings of Tilley and the development of French literature.