In The Routledge Concise History of Twentieth-Century British Literature Ashley Dawson identifies the key British writers and texts, shaped by era-defining cultural and historical events and movements from the period. He provides:

• Analysis of works by a diverse range of influential authors
• Examination of the cultural and literary impact of crucial historical, social, political and cultural events
• Discussion of Britain's imperial status in the century and the diversification of the nation through Black and Asian British Literature

Readers are also provided with a comprehensive timeline, a glossary of terms, further reading and explanatory text boxes featuring further information on key figures and events.