This document provides an overview of major literary movements and authors throughout history from 800 BC to the present. Some of the key periods and authors mentioned include ancient Greek writers like Homer from 800-400 BC, Roman authors like Virgil from 250 BC - AD 150, English authors from the Old English period like Beowulf from 450-1066 AD, and major figures of the Renaissance like Shakespeare from 1500-1660. The document then outlines various literary periods up to the modern era, noting defining works and authors of each movement.