The Oxford Book of Late Medieval Verse and Prose
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Author Description
The literary period covered here--from the death of Chaucer to the early years of Henry VIII's reign--produced a variety of rich and fascinating work. The representative works chosen for this book include familiar authors such as Malory, Henryson, Skelton, and More, as well as never-before published texts, and some that were previously available only in obscure editions. A number of works such as The Testament of Cresseid, Mankind, and Everyman are given in full and every selection is supported by a commentary and a detailed glossary.Not narrowly "literary" in its conception, the book gives a colorful picture of the time, setting private letters alongside Malory's moving account of the death of Arthur, scenes from chronicles alongside extracts on alchemy and medicine, recipes that promise to make hair grow, and tips for pilgrims going to the Holy Land alongside advice on grooming and charming tales from The Golden Legend. Covering a fascinating period, The Oxford Book of Late Medieval Verse and Prose froms an impressive, entertaining affirmation of the period as one of ferment and achievement.
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This volume investigates the cultural and literary landscape of the late medieval period, spanning from the death of Geoffrey Chaucer to the early reign of Henry VIII. Douglas Gray, a scholar of medieval literature, curates a diverse collection of texts to argue that this era was defined by significant intellectual ferment and creative achievement. By integrating canonical works with obscure manuscripts, the book provides a comprehensive framework for understanding the transition between the medieval and early modern worlds.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- A curated selection of verse and prose spanning the late 14th to early 16th centuries.
- Primary source materials including private letters, chronicles, medical recipes, and religious texts.
- Detailed editorial commentary and a glossary for archaic terminology.
- Full-text inclusions of significant works such as The Testament of Cresseid, Mankind, and Everyman.
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently cite this collection as a vital resource for accessing the breadth of late medieval writing beyond standard literary canons. The inclusion of practical, non-literary texts is often highlighted as a key strength that provides a more accurate historical context for the period.
Page Count:
608
Publication Date:
1985-11-07
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
019812452X
ISBN-13:
9780198124528
Poetry
British History
Literary Criticism
Prose
Anthology
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