Thomas Hoccleve: New Approaches

Thomas Hoccleve is a key figure in the literature of later medieval England, and this volume confirms his importance in shaping the English poetic tradition after Chaucer's death. Chapters explore the idiosyncratic forms of his two principle works, his distinctive imagery, the presence of the figure of the woman reader, the part played by the codex in posthumous literary sanctification, the links between his formulary of model letters and documents, and the mutually informing relations of his minor poetry and major works.

Format: Hardback
Length: 270 pages
Publication date: 13 September 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The Middle English poet Thomas Hoccleve, renowned for his captivating biographical verse depicting life as a Privy Seal clerk in early fifteenth-century Westminster, has emerged as a pivotal figure in the literature of later medieval England. This volume, the first collection of essays dedicated to Hoccleve since 1996, not only reaffirms his significance in shaping the English poetic tradition following Chaucer's demise but also showcases the enduring critical interest in his work in its own right. Chapters delve into the unique forms of his two principal works, The Regiment of Princes and Series, as well as Hoccleve's distinctive imagery of moving feet, swelling and bursting bodies, and the actions of personified Death. Other essays explore the presence of the figure of the woman reader, the role played by the codex in posthumous literary sanctification, the connections between Hoccleve's formulary of model letters and documents and his own verse, and the mutually enriching relations of Hoccleve's minor poetry and major works. Preceding these essays is a substantial introduction that considers contemporary responses to Hoccleve in the context of current trends in literary criticism and surveys the reception of his works between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries.

Introduction:
In the annals of English literature, Thomas Hoccleve stands as a notable figure, his contributions shaping the poetic tradition that followed Chaucer's reign. This volume, the first collection of essays devoted to Hoccleve since 1996, serves as a testament to his enduring importance and the ongoing critical interest in his works. It confirms his role as a key figure in the literature of later medieval England, highlighting the depth of scholarly inquiry into his writings.

Chapters in this volume explore various aspects of Hoccleve's artistry. They examine the idiosyncratic forms of his principal works, The Regiment of Princes and Series, delving into their unique structures, themes, and imagery. The essays also consider Hoccleve's distinctive imagery of moving feet, swelling and bursting bodies, and the actions of personified Death, which adds a haunting dimension to his poetry.

Furthermore, the volume explores the presence of the figure of the woman reader in Hoccleve's works. It examines how he engages with female audiences and addresses their concerns, often using humor and satire to challenge societal expectations. The essays also explore the role played by the codex in posthumous literary sanctification, considering how Hoccleve's writings were preserved and circulated during his lifetime and beyond.

The connections between Hoccleve's formulary of model letters and documents and his own verse are also examined. It is noted how Hoccleve's epistolary style influenced his poetic craft, and how his letters and documents provide valuable insights into his personal life and political career. The mutually informing relations of Hoccleve's minor poetry and major works are also explored, highlighting how his lesser-known works contribute to our understanding of his overall oeuvre.

In conclusion, this volume serves as a valuable contribution to Hoccleve studies. It confirms his significance in shaping the English poetic tradition after Chaucer's death and demonstrates the depth of critical interest in his work. The chapters explore various aspects of Hoccleve's artistry, from his distinctive imagery to his engagement with the figure of the woman reader and his connections to the codex. The mutually informing relations of his minor poetry and major works shed light on his overall oeuvre, making this volume an essential resource for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 630g
Dimension: 396 x 261 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846420