Important Books for English Literature Optional for UPSC IAS Mains Exam | Testbook

Recommended Booklist for UPSC English Literature Optional

This optional is a good choice for aspirants with a keen interest in literature, regardless of their graduation stream. As part of the preparation, aspirants should read the novels, poetry, and more listed in the UPSC English Literature Syllabus . This practice will provide a better understanding and enable you to construct comprehensive answers. It is advisable to read the poems, stories, novels, and dramas from the original books.

Here's a list of must-read English Literature books for the IAS exam:

• A Brief History of English Literature by John Peck and Martin Coyle
• The Norton Anthology of English Literature
• A Critical History of English Literature (David Daiches)
• Macbeth- William Shakespeare
• Othello- William Shakespeare

While English Literature may be your IAS Optional subject of choice, it's crucial to have a robust UPSC English Literature Strategy to approach the subject effectively.

If you're targeting UPSC 2023 , you can check the linked article to align your IAS preparation according to the set exam pattern and more.

Below are some additional articles that might be useful for your UPSC IAS exam preparation: