Medieval English Literature

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Ker, W. P. (William Paton), 1855-1923.

Series:

Home University Library of Modern Knowledge, No. 43

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource : multiple file formats

Place of Publication:

Salt Lake City, UT : Project Gutenberg,

Summary:

"Medieval English Literature" by W. P. Ker is a critical examination of the literary landscape during the Middle Ages, likely written in the early 20th century. This scholarly work surveys the evolution of English literature from the Anglo-Saxon to the Middle English periods, exploring how historical contexts, language changes, and cultural influences shaped the literary forms and themes of the time. The book aims to provide insights into various genres, including poetry, prose, and allegory, and serves as a guide for readers interested in understanding medieval texts in their historical context. The opening of the work sets the stage for a comprehensive introduction to medieval literature, emphasizing the diverse motivations behind studying this era. Ker discusses how readers are often drawn to medieval texts through historical curiosity, religious interests, or simply an appreciation for the rich narratives of the time, such as the works of Dante and Malory. He highlights the complexities of engaging with medieval literature due to the language barrier and the variances in dialects, as well as the cultural exchange that reshaped English literature-particularly the French influence post-Norman Conquest. Ker notes that understanding the historical and linguistic nuances is essential for appreciating the broader literary traditions that emerged during this fascinating period, which he endeavors to unpack throughout the text. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Credits:

Produced by Barbara Watson, Stephen Hutcheson, Mark Akrigg and the Online Distributed Proofreading Canada Team at http://www.pgdpcanada.net

Notes:

Reading ease score: 59.3 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.

Release date is 2011-09-07