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Poetry Medieval

The Voices of Medieval English Lyric

An Anthology of Poems ca 1150-1530

by (author) Anne L. Klinck

Publisher
McGill-Queen's University Press
Initial publish date
Dec 2019
Category
Medieval
  • Hardback

    ISBN
    9780773558816
    Publish Date
    Dec 2019
    List Price
    $145.00
  • Paperback / softback

    ISBN
    9780773558823
    Publish Date
    Nov 2019
    List Price
    $45.95

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Description

What was the medieval English lyric? Moving beyond the received understanding of the genre, The Voices of Medieval English Lyric explores, through analysis, discussion, and demonstration, what the term "lyric" most meaningfully implies in a Middle English context. A critical edition of 131 poems that illustrate the range and rich variety of lyric poetry from the mid-twelfth century to the early sixteenth century, The Voices of Medieval English Lyric presents its texts - freshly edited from the manuscripts - in thirteen sections emphasizing contrasting and complementary voices and genres. As well as a selection of religious poetry, the collection includes a high proportion of secular lyrics, many on love and sexuality, both earnest and humorous. In general, major authors who have been covered thoroughly elsewhere are excluded from the edited texts, but some, especially Chaucer, are quoted or mentioned as illuminating comparisons. Charles d'Orléans and the Scots poets Robert Henryson and William Dunbar add an extra-national dimension to a single-language collection. Textual and thematic notes are provided, as well as versions of the poems in Latin or French when these exist. Adopting new perspectives, The Voices of Medieval English Lyric offers an up-to-date, accessible, and distinctive take on Middle English poetry.

About the author

Anne L. Klinck has recently retired from the University of New Brunswick, where she taught medieval literature and English language. Her previous books include The Old English Elegies: A Critical Edition and Genre Study and An Anthology of Ancient and Medieval Woman's Song.

Anne L. Klinck's profile page

Editorial Reviews

"This edition of a selection of medieval English lyrics is informative and admirably wide-ranging. I finished reading this book with a sense that I’d been given a comprehensive overview of the field by a trustworthy guide." Julia Boffey, Queen Mary University of London