A stylistic and historical study of one of the most celebrated features of Middle English alliterative poetry, the passages of vivid description. The study explores the narrative function of such descriptions, and the models for the poets' descriptive techniques.
An introduction to the wide range of literature written in England between 1150 and 1400. The first part describes the language of the time to enable the reader to achieve a proper understanding of the literature introduced in the second part.
Focusing on the rich literature of England from 1150 to 1400, this Middle English textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the historical context, grammar, syntax, and pronunciation of the language. It features key texts, including a new extract from Julian of Norwich's Revelation of Divine Love, accompanied by insightful notes. The fourth edition incorporates adopter feedback, introducing a model translation section with exercises for classroom use, and updates throughout, along with a foreword honoring J. A. Burrow.
Focusing on the tradition of alliterative poetry in medieval English literature, this anthology features lesser-known, unmodernized poems. It provides readers with explanatory footnotes that facilitate a deeper critical engagement with the texts. Originally published in 1989, it serves as a valuable resource for understanding this unique poetic form and its historical context.
The poem explores a father's profound grief after losing his infant daughter, who appears to him in a dream. In this surreal encounter, she guides him towards understanding the role of death within the divine plan. This poignant narrative, rooted in the themes of loss and reconciliation, is one of four notable works by the author of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, showcasing the depth of medieval literature.