What are the books that I should definitely read to gain knowledge about English literature before pursuing my MA and PhD?

Dear Radhika, following are the books. 1) A Critical Study of English Literature Volume 1& 2 by David Daiches 2) A History of English Literature Volume 1,2 & 3 by J N Mundra and S C Mundra are really good books to prepare for English Literature. It will give you thorough knowledge in question and

Go through Hudson's Background to the study of Literature threadbare. The book will give you a comprehensive idea. Study Abram's Literary Terms beforehand. Read some Shakespeare and Keats. Improve your literary taste. Learn to read in detail. Get rid of superficial reading.

Go through Hudson's Background to the study of Literature threadbare. The book will give you a comprehensive idea. Study Abram's Literary Terms beforehand. Read some Shakespeare and Keats. Improve your literary taste. Learn to read in detail. Get rid of superficial reading.

You can refer the following books: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bront Middlemarch by George Eliot Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R Diary of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith His Dark Materials trilogy by Philip Pullman Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bront Great Expe