The Oxford History of Poetry in English: Volume 2. Medieval Poetry: 1100-1400

The Oxford History of Poetry in English provides a comprehensive analysis of poetry from Anglo-Saxon culture to contemporary British, Irish, American, and Global culture, including English, Scottish, and Welsh poetry, Anglo-American colonial and post-colonial poetry, and poetry in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, India, Africa, Asia, and other international locales. It synthesizes existing scholarship and presents cutting-edge research, employing a global team of expert contributors for each of the fourteen volumes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 560 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2023
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The Oxford History of Poetry in English is a groundbreaking and comprehensive exploration of poetry across various cultures and time periods. Spanning from Anglo-Saxon culture to contemporary British, Irish, American, and Global culture, including English, Scottish, and Welsh poetry, Anglo-American colonial and post-colonial poetry, and poetry in Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, India, Africa, Asia, and other international locales, this series offers a fresh and multi-voiced perspective on the art of poetry.

The series combines existing scholarship with cutting-edge research, drawing upon a global team of expert contributors for each of its fourteen volumes. This particular volume, spanning from 1100 to 1400, holds a pivotal position in the history of English poetry. It marks the re-emergence of a vernacular poetic record in English following the political and cultural disruptions of the Norman Conquest. By the end of this period, English poetry had established itself as a literary tradition, albeit one that continued to evolve.

The period between 1100 and 1400 witnessed significant innovations and developments in language, topics, poetic forms, and means of expression. Middle English poetry, in particular, reflects the influence of various contexts, including history, social institutions, manuscript production, versification models, medieval poetic theory, and other literary languages of England. It emphasizes the aesthetic and imaginative treatment of new and received materials by medieval writers, as well as the formal craft required for their verse.

Individual chapters in the volume explore the representation of national history and mythology, contemporary issues, and the shared doctrine and learning provided by sacred and secular sources, such as the Bible. Lyric and romance figure prominently as genres and poetic modes, while some works exhibit a fascinating blend of genre and discursive forms.

The volume concludes with a c. 1400, marking a significant milestone in the development of English poetry. It provides a rich and detailed account of the poetic landscape during this period, showcasing the diversity and richness of the art form across different cultures and time periods.

In conclusion, The Oxford History of Poetry in English is a indispensable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of poetry. It offers a comprehensive and multi-faceted perspective on the evolution of poetry in English, from its Anglo-Saxon roots to its contemporary manifestations. Through its synthesis of existing scholarship and cutting-edge research, this series provides a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies and enhances our understanding of the rich and diverse poetic heritage of the English language.

Weight: 1140g
Dimension: 181 x 253 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198827429