English Literature Books for UPSC 2024
English Literature books for UPSC are provided here for candidates who are appearing for the English Literature optional papers I and II in Mains.
Sheetal Gaur4 Jun, 2024
Share
English Literature Books for UPSC: English Literature is one of the optional Literature language subjects. It allows candidates to explore the depths of English literary works, offering a blend of cultural, historical, and critical knowledge. Selecting the right English literature books for UPSC Optional is crucial for thorough preparation and success. Candidates who are appearing for English Literature in UPSC Mains exams can go through the list of English Literature Books for UPSC papers I and II from here.
English Literature Books for UPSC Optional
Choosing English Literature as an optional subject can be highly rewarding due to its rich literary traditions and diverse genres. A deep understanding of English literature enhances analytical and critical thinking skills, which are valuable for both Prelims and Mains. Here are the recommended books to build a solid foundation in English literature. Papers I and II are of 250 marks, making the total optional marks 500. The UPSC syllabus for English literature includes:- 5 plays
- 60 poems
- 14 novels
- Basic understanding of the history of English literature
English Literature Books for UPSC Optional Paper I and II
Paper I of the English Literature optional focuses on the history of English literature, various literary forms, and critical theories. Paper II involves a detailed study of specific texts, authors, and critical analysis. Here is the list of English Literature Books for UPSC Optional Paper II and I:- A Short History of English Literature (Pramod K. Nayar)
- King Lear- William Shakespeare
- Introduction to English Literature by W. H Hudson
- The Routledge History of Literature in English
- The Tempest- William Shakespeare
- Canonization- John Donne
- On his Mistress going to John Donne
- The Relic- John Donne
- Death be not proud- John Donne
- The Good Morrow- John Donne
- Paradise Lost, I, II, IV, IX- John Milton
- The Rape of the Lock- Alexander Pope
- Three years she grew-William Wordsworth
- Ode on Intimations of Immortality- William Wordsworth
- Tintern Abbey-William Wordsworth
- She dwelt among untrodden ways-William Wordsworth
- Michael-William Wordsworth
- Milton, thou shouldst be living at this hour-William Wordsworth
- Upon Westminster Bridge-William Wordsworth
- Resolution and Independence- William Wordsworth
- The World is too much with us-William Wordsworth
- Gulliver’s Travels-Jonathan Swift
- Pride and Prejudice-Jane Austen
- Mrs Dalloway- Virginia Woolf.
- Kanthapura-Raja Rao
- A House for Mr. Biswas- V.S. Naipal
- Tess of the d’Urbervilles- Thomas Hardy
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn- Mark Twain
- Easter 1916- William Butler Yeats
- Tom Jones-Henry Fielding
- Hard Times- Charles Dickens
- The Mill on the Floss-George Eliot
- The Tower-William Butler Yeats
- Among School Children Butler Yeats
- The Second Coming-William Butler Yeats
- A Prayer for my daughter-William Butler Yeats
- Sailing to Byzantium-William Butler Yeats
- Leda and the Swan-William Butler Yeats
- Meru-William Butler Yeats
- Burnt Norton-T. S. Eliot
- Partition- W.H. Auden
- Lapis Lazuli-William Butler Yeats
- The Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock- T. S. Eliot
- Journey of the Magi-T. S. Eliot
- Musee des Beaux Arts-W.H. Auden
- In Memory of W.B. Yeats-W.H. Auden
- Lay your sleeping head, my love-W.H. Auden
- The Unknown Citizen-W.H. Auden
- Look In Anger-John Osborne
- Waiting for Godot-Samuel Beckett
- Next- Philip Larkin
- Consider-W.H. Auden
- Mundus Et Infans-W.H. Auden
- The Shield of Achilles-W.H. Auden
- Please-Philip Larkin
- Deceptions-Philip Larkin
- Looking for a Causim on a Swing-A.K. Ramanujan
- A River-A.K. Ramanujan
- Days-Philip Larkin
- Bleaney-Philip Larkin
- Of Mothers, among other Things-A.K. Ramanujan
- Afternoons-Philip Larkin
- Love Poem for a Wife 1-A.K. Ramanujan
- Small-Scale Reflections on a Great House-A.K. Ramanujan
- Obituary-A.K. Ramanujan
- Lord Jim-Joseph Conrad
- Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man-James Joyce
- Sons and Lovers-D.H. Lawrence
- A Passage to India- E.M. Forster.
English Literature Books for UPSC Optional by Toppers
Toppers often recommend specific books that helped them achieve high scores in the English Literature optional. These books are tried and tested by successful candidates and offer unique insights and strategies.| Book Title | Author |
| A Glossary of Literary Terms | M.H. Abrams |
| The Metaphysical Poets | Helen Gardner |
| Literary Theory: An Introduction | Terry Eagleton |
| The Romantics: An Anthology | Stephen Gill (Editor) |
| Victorian Poetry: An Annotated Anthology | Francis O'Gorman (Editor) |
| Modern Criticism and Theory | David Lodge and Nigel Wood |
How to Prepare Using English Literature Books for UPSC?
Effective preparation using the right English literature books can significantly enhance your performance in the UPSC exam. Here are some tips to maximize your preparation: Start with Foundational Texts: Begin your preparation with foundational texts to build a solid understanding of English literature's history and evolution. Study Key Authors and Works: Dive deeply into the works of key authors, understanding their themes, styles, and contributions to English literature. Develop Critical Analysis Skills: Enhance your critical analysis skills by reading a variety of literary critiques and theoretical essays. Create Concise Notes: Make detailed yet concise notes on important texts, authors, and literary movements. Practice Answer Writing: Regularly practice writing answers to previous years' questions and take mock tests. By following these tips and utilizing the recommended English literature books, you can enhance your preparation and increase your chances of success in the UPSC exam.English Literature Books for UPSC FAQs
Which book is best for beginners in English Literature for UPSC?
"A History of English Literature" by Arthur Compton-Rickett is ideal for beginners due to its comprehensive coverage of the history and development.
Is English Literature a Good Option for IAS?
Although fewer than 50 candidates typically choose English Literature as their optional subject for the IAS exam. Each year, several candidates successfully clear the exam with English Literature, demonstrating its potential as a rewarding choice for aspirants.
How important is critical analysis for English Literature in UPSC?
Critical analysis is crucial as it helps in understanding the deeper meanings, themes, and contexts of literary works, which is essential for both papers I and II.
What are the best books for studying English prose and poetry?
"The Norton Anthology of English Literature" by M.H. Abrams and "Selected Poems" by T.S. Eliot are highly recommended for prose and poetry, respectively.
Which English Newspaper is Best for UPSC?
The Hindu and The Indian Express are widely regarded as the best English newspapers for IAS preparation.
Talk to a counsellorHave doubts? Our support team will be happy to assist you!
Check out these Related Articles
Join 15 Million students on the app today!
Live & recorded classes available at easeDashboard for progress trackingMillions of practice questions at your fingertips
Free Learning Resources
PW Books
Notes (Class 10-12)
PW Study Materials
Notes (Class 6-9)
Ncert Solutions
Govt Exams
Class 6th to 12th Online Courses
Govt Job Exams Courses
UPSC Coaching
Defence Exam Coaching
Gate Exam Coaching
Other Exams
Know about Physics Wallah
Physics Wallah is an Indian edtech platform that provides accessible & comprehensive learning experiences to students from Class 6th to postgraduate level. We also provide extensive NCERT solutions, sample paper, NEET, JEE Mains, BITSAT previous year papers & more such resources to students. Physics Wallah also caters to over 3.5 million registered students and over 78 lakh+ Youtube subscribers with 4.8 rating on its app.
We Stand Out because
We provide students with intensive courses with India’s qualified & experienced faculties & mentors. PW strives to make the learning experience comprehensive and accessible for students of all sections of society. We believe in empowering every single student who couldn't dream of a good career in engineering and medical field earlier.
Our Key Focus Areas
Physics Wallah's main focus is to make the learning experience as economical as possible for all students. With our affordable courses like Lakshya, Udaan and Arjuna and many others, we have been able to provide a platform for lakhs of aspirants. From providing Chemistry, Maths, Physics formula to giving e-books of eminent authors like RD Sharma, RS Aggarwal and Lakhmir Singh, PW focuses on every single student's need for preparation.
What Makes Us Different
Physics Wallah strives to develop a comprehensive pedagogical structure for students, where they get a state-of-the-art learning experience with study material and resources. Apart from catering students preparing for JEE Mains and NEET, PW also provides study material for each state board like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and others
Copyright © 2025 Physicswallah Limited All rights reserved.