Sampson's Concise History was first published in 1941. Basically it was then a summary, in readable form, of the great Cambridge History, with some personal touches by Sampson. The second edition had a substantial new chapter by R. C. Churchill on twentieth-century literature and appeared in 1961. The present edition, prepared by Mr Churchill, provides a revision of the first thirteen chapters. Three very substantial new chapters are now added which have the effect of making this the only complete and up-to-date survey of world literature in English. The literature of the U.S.A. is now surveyed in extenso and in its own right. The literatures in English of Ireland, India, Pakistan, Ceylon, Malaysia, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the West Indies, South Africa and the new African states are also treated. Students and general readers will find this a comprehensive and lively-minded survey, guide and reference book to the world's literature in teh English language.