Alliterative Poetry of the Later Middle Ages: An Anthology [Hardcover]

Originally published in 1989, Alliterative Poetry of the Later Middle Ages is an anthology of texts looking at the tradition of alliterative poetry in medieval English literature. The book presents lesser known alliterative Middle English poems, which are unmodernised and include explanatory footnotes designed to give clarity to the text and enable critical response to the texts. The book illustrates the great range and variety of alliterative verse, both rhymed and unrhymed. The poems range from descriptions of armies, bloody battles, dramatic storms and dreams of goddesses. Whatever the subject, social and political satire, theological controversy and moral admonition is always given a lively and interesting setting. The book contains a succinct and incisive introductory material and a carefully selected bibliography which will encourage further reading.

List of Illustrations  Acknowledgements  Abbreviations  Texts Cited with their Abbreviations  Introductions  1. The Harley Lyrics  2. Wynnere and Wastoure  3. The Parlement of the Thre Ages  4. St Erkenwald  5. A Pistel of Susan  6. Somer Soneday  7. The Three Dead Kings  8. The Siege of Jerusalem (ll. 521-724)  9. John Clerk: The Destruction of Troy (ll. 1509-628, 2340-448, 12465-547)  10. The Wars of Alexander (ll. 597-736, 159-735, 4842-5200)  Select Bibliography  Glossary

Originally published in 1989, Alliterative Poetry of the Later Middle Ages is an anthology of texts looking at the tradition of alliterative poetry in medieval English literature. The book presents lesser known unmodernised poems and include explanatory footnotes to enable critical response to the texts.