Medieval Writers and Their Work: Middle English Literature and Its Background 1100-1500
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Author Description
An introduction to Middle English literature that aims not so much to teach the reader how to understand it, nor provide a history of the literature or survey of its works, but to enthuse the reader and show why they might want to read more. Chapters look at writers and audiences, at the major genres and how these differ from their modern counterparts, at how meaning is conveyed in Middle English literature, particularly through the use of allegory, and finally at the reception of medieval works down to the modern age. The second edition has been revised and rewritten with an up to date bibliography. The bargain version is the old edition
Menrva's Summary
THE THESIS
This work investigates the fundamental characteristics of Middle English literature to explain why these texts remain significant and engaging for contemporary readers. J.A. Burrow, a distinguished scholar of medieval literature, provides a framework that moves beyond a standard historical survey. Instead of merely cataloging dates and authors, he focuses on the mechanics of medieval writing, the relationship between authors and their audiences, and the specific conventions that defined literary production between 1100 and 1500.
THE SCOPE MAP
What You Will Find
- Analysis of the social and cultural roles of medieval writers and their audiences
- Examination of major literary genres and their divergence from modern forms
- Discussion of medieval semiotics, specifically the function and interpretation of allegory
- A historical overview of the reception of medieval texts from the Middle Ages to the present
Scope Limits
- Does not function as a comprehensive chronological history or a complete survey of all extant Middle English works
- Does not provide a linguistic primer for learning to read Middle English
THE AUTHORITY PERSPECTIVE
Scholars and students frequently cite this text as a foundational introduction that successfully bridges the gap between academic rigor and reader accessibility. Experts highlight the clarity of Burrow's prose as a primary reason for the book's enduring utility in university-level medieval studies curricula.
Page Count:
148
Publication Date:
1982-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192191357
ISBN-13:
9780192191359
Middle English
Academic
Literature History
Literary Criticism
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