This textbook provides university-level students with a basic introduction to British and American literature by weaving it into a context of contemporary historical events. The authors have created learning material that includes a carefully chosen selection of literary texts, followed by thought-provoking ‘in-text’ questions, which are designed to contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between literature and history. Texts and Events also attempts to be open-ended in its version of the past, encouraging readers to seek knowledge outside the text by analyzing other narratives, both fictional and historical, to which they are referred at the end of each chapter.  These ‘Suggestions for Further Study’ include Internet resources that expand upon and present alternatives to the narratives offered here. In this way, students are challenged to begin to question the exclusive nature of literary canons, to fill in the gaps of historical narratives and to realize that such canons and texts are never complete.