Gift of Narrative in Medieval England

This book explores the dynamics of gift and exchange in medieval romance narratives, arguing that the exchange of objects and people, repeated patterns of love, loyalty, and revenge, promises made or broken, and the effects of time on these objects, exchanges, and promises are all essential elements. It includes close discussions of poetry by Chaucer, the Gawain- Poet, and romances in the Auchinleck Manuscript and will prompt new ideas and debate among students and scholars of medieval literature and anyone curious about the pleasures of romance narratives.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 23 February 2021
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This captivating exploration delves into the intricate interplay between medieval romance narratives and the theories and practices of gift and exchange, offering fresh perspectives on critical themes such as storytelling, agency, gender, and materiality within some of the most captivating works of the Middle Ages. It compellingly argues that the dynamics of the gift exert a profound influence on romances, manifesting through various exchanges of objects and individuals, recurring patterns of love, loyalty, and retribution, promises made and broken, and the intricate ways in which time impacts these objects, exchanges, and promises. Spanning from the twelfth century to the fifteenth, this book includes in-depth analyses of poetry by Chaucer, the Gawain-Poet, and romances found in the Auchinleck Manuscript, fostering a renewed sense of curiosity and scholarly debate among students and scholars of medieval literature, as well as those intrigued by the enduring allure of romance narratives.

Weight: 484g
Dimension: 145 x 224 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526139917