Nature and Medieval Literature

This book explores how Welsh, French, and English authors recount the Peredur/Perceval story, examining how nature is treated in various major authors and texts. It argues that some texts represent nature, while others use it to critique the human world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: University of Wales Press

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of ecocritical approaches to literary texts, exploring the rich narratives woven by Welsh, French, and English authors in their retelling of the Peredur/Perceval story. It then embarks on a captivating journey, conducting in-depth full-chapter studies on the treatment of nature in a diverse array of prominent authors and texts. From the works of Chaucer, the Scottish Chaucerians (Dunbar and Henryson), the captivating outlaw myths, including the legendary Robin Hood, to the medieval English romances and the poignant lyrics of the period, the book unravels the intricate tapestry of nature's portrayal.

What sets this work apart is its compelling argument that while certain texts authentically capture the essence of the natural and animal worlds, others utilize these realms as a means to understand nature itself and as a platform for critiquing the human and increasingly urban world of the medieval era. Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful interpretation, the book sheds light on the multifaceted roles that nature played in medieval literature, offering a profound exploration of the symbiotic relationship between humans and the natural world.

This captivating exploration of ecocritical approaches to literary texts will captivate scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, as it uncovers the profound connections between nature, literature, and the human experience.

Dimension: 216 x 138 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781837721023