The Early Modern English Sonnet: Ever in Motion

This volume challenges assumptions about the early modern English sonnet, offering a nuanced account of its history, writing, publication, and reception in England and mainland Europe. It includes a modern edition of an early seventeenth-century Elizabethan miscellany with sonnets by Sidney and Spenser.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2022
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This extensive volume challenges and scrutinizes prevailing notions regarding the early modern English sonnet, which are often perceived as a rigidly structured form, predominantly organized in sequences, emerging only towards the close of the sixteenth century and experiencing a rapid decline, with minor poets merely mimicking established conventions. By employing a combination of book history, meticulous close reading, and textual analysis, this collection presents a more intricate and comprehensive account of the evolution of the sonnet. It delves into the writing, publication, and reception of sonnets in England compared to mainland Europe, examining the works of prominent poets such as Shakespeare, Sidney, and Spenser alongside lesser-known figures like Barnes and Harvey. Furthermore, it reflects on contemporary editorial practices by presenting the first modern edition of an early seventeenth-century Elizabethan miscellany, which likely includes sonnets by Sidney and Spenser.

The sonnet, a poetic form that originated in Italy during the Renaissance, gained popularity in England during the late sixteenth century. It was characterized by its strict rhyme scheme, typically consisting of fourteen lines, and its focus on love and beauty. The early modern English sonnet was heavily influenced by Italian models, but it also incorporated elements of English literature and culture.

One of the most notable features of the early modern English sonnet was its organization in sequences. Sonnets were often grouped together in collections, known as sonnet cycles, which allowed poets to explore complex themes and ideas over multiple poems. This form of organization was particularly popular among Shakespeare, who wrote several sonnet cycles, including "The Passionate Pilgrim" and "The Rape of Lucrece."

Another characteristic of the early modern English sonnet was its emphasis on the individual speaker. Sonnets often addressed the speaker directly, using the first-person pronoun "I" to express their emotions and thoughts. This emphasis on the individual speaker was a departure from the more impersonal and abstract nature of earlier poetic forms, such as the metaphysical poetry of John Donne.

Despite its popularity, the early modern English sonnet was not without its critics. Some scholars argued that the form was too restrictive and formulaic, limiting the creativity and expression of poets. Others criticized the sonnet for its focus on love and beauty, arguing that it was too superficial and lacking in depth and complexity.

Despite these criticisms, the early modern English sonnet continued to be widely celebrated and studied. Its strict rhyme scheme and focus on the individual speaker made it a challenging and rewarding form to master, and its popularity led to the development of new variations and subgenres of the sonnet, such as the Spenserian sonnet and the Miltonian sonnet.

In conclusion, the early modern English sonnet was a complex and multifaceted poetic form that emerged in England during the late sixteenth century. It was heavily influenced by Italian models but also incorporated elements of English literature and culture. The sonnet's organization in sequences, emphasis on the individual speaker, and focus on love and beauty made it a popular and influential poetic form, despite its critics. Today, the early modern English sonnet continues to be studied and celebrated for its artistic merit and cultural significance.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526163837