This collection of essays covers 286 writers who have made contributions to British, Irish and Commonwealth literature from the 14th century to the present day. Introductory essays and chronological tables open each volume and provide historical background.
Supplement V adds articles on 26 writers, among them contemporary authors such as J. G. Ballard, Anita Desai, Ruth Prawer Jhabvala and Edna O'Brien as well as classic writers omitted from earlier volumes, such as A. A. Milne.