The Oxford English Literary History: Volume I: 1000-1350: Conquest and Transformation

The Oxford English Literary History provides a comprehensive account of the literary heritage of England from 1000 to 1350, exploring the cultural, literary, social, and political transformations that characterized the period. It offers insights into the shift in theological focus from God the Father to the suffering Christ, the development of a new philosophy of interiority, the importance of love, the emergence of narrative fiction, and the elevation of secular lives through the creation and celebration of courtly and chivalric ideals.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 492 pages
Publication date: 02 December 2021
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Oxford English Literary History stands as the ultimate chronicle of a millennium-long and multifaceted literary legacy. Comprising thirteen groundbreaking volumes, each authored by a renowned scholar, these volumes provide in-depth assessments of the authors, works, cultural traditions, events, and ideas that shaped the literary voices of their respective eras. This series is not only a valuable resource for scholars, educators, and researchers in English literature but also for all passionate readers.

The period spanning 1000 to 1350 witnessed profound cultural, literary, social, and political transformations. Theology shifted its focus from God the Father to the suffering Christ, leading to heightened emotional affectivity and physical devotion in religious experiences. A new philosophy of interiority emerged, encouraging individuals to explore their selves and engage in the practice of confession, which gained unprecedented importance in expressing interior realities.

The concept of penitence underwent a significant transformation. The old understanding of penitence as a singular and unrepeatable event was replaced by a more flexible approach that allowed for repeated repentance and penance. Additionally, the possibility of continued purgation of sins after death was introduced. Love became a central theme, manifesting in Christ's love as a new explanation for the Passion, the love of God as the sole means of governing the self, and the emergence of narrative fiction, which portrayed heterosexual love as the ultimate goal of secular life.

In this literary mode, the individual emerged as a unique protagonist, intricately bound in social and ethical relations with others. This led to a profound recalibration of moral agency, extending beyond God to encompass society as a whole. The Oxford English Literary History offers a comprehensive and insightful exploration of this transformative period, shedding light on the rich tapestry of literary voices and the profound shifts in cultural, philosophical, and moral paradigms that shaped the world during this crucial era.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 215 x 133 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192859105