Medieval English Political Writings [Paperback]

This volume collects poems and historical documents relevant to understanding the political climate of fourteenth- and fifteenth-century Britain, many of which have been out of print for a century. This new edition, geared towards classroom use with its notes, introductions, gloss, and glossary, opens up the fascinating study of late medieval English history. This volume contains five sections: Poems of Political Prophecy; Anticlerical Poems and Documents; Literature of Richard II's Reign and the Peasants' Revolt; Poems against Simony and the Abuse of Money; and Plowman Writings-all tied together by a common attitude of satire and complaint, and a distrust of those who may abuse power. This volume would make an excellent source for a class on English satire or late medieval politics.Preface General Bibliography Chronology Poems of Political ProphecyIntroduction Select Bibliography The Prophecy of Merlin (Dublin MS) The Prophecy of Merlin (Bodley MS) The Prophecy of Merlin (Magdalene Coll. MS) Thomas of Erceldoune's Prophecy Ercyldoun's Prophecy When Rome Is Removed Notes Anticlerical Poems and DocumentsIntroduction Select Bibliography Preste, Ne Monke, Ne Yit Chanoun Of Thes Frer Mynours Thou That Sellest the Worde of God Allas, What Schul We Freris Do Freers, Freers, Wo Ye Be The Wycliffite Bible: from the Prologue The Lanterne of Light: Prologue and Chapters 3-5 Lo, He That Can Be Cristes Clerc Notes Literature of Richard II's Reign and the Peasants' RevoltIntroduction Select Bibliography Man Be Ware and Be No Fool The Letter of John Ball (Royal MS) The Letter of John Ball (Stow) Addresses of the Commons (Knighton) John Ball's Sermon Theme (Walsingham) On the Times Tax Has Tenet Us Alle Ther Is a Busch That Is Forgrowe Truthe, Reste, and Pes (What Profits a Kingdom) Notes Poems against Simony and the Abuse of MoneyIntroduction Select Bibliography Beati qui esuriunt The Simonie Above All Thing Thow Arte a Kyng In lã±