Medieval Narrative An Introduction [Paperback]

Medieval Narrativeoffers students an introduction to the range of narrative genres and strategies of the medieval period and explores the ways in which medieval theories of narrative can be compared with modern day theories. Throughout the text the author draws from a wide range of examples, including Chaucer'sCanterbury Tales, theAncrene Wisse, and continental examples of medieval narrative such as Boccaccio'sIl Filostrato.

1. Medieval Narrative Theory
2. Types of Medieval Narrative
3. Tale Collections
4. The Canterbury Tales
5. Longer Narratives
6. Prologues and Narrators
7. Composite Narrative
8. Some Modern Conceptions of Medieval Narrative

Davenport's bold attempt to summarize the enormous subject of 'medieval narrative,' even with all of his qualifications, deserves well earned praise and no small amount of sympathy.... A most welcome, clarifying, and helpful book for those working through medieval narratives seriously for the first time, and it will be a welcome guest at the office of any teacher attempting to do for his or her students what Davenport has accomplished. --Christianity and Literature

Anthony Davenporthas taught Middle English and lectured on aspects of medieval literature for many years. His publications includeChaucer and his English Contemporaries: Prologue and Tale in The Canterbury Tales(Macmillan, 1998) andChaucer: Complaint and Narrative(D.S. Brewer, 1988).