Medieval Writers and their Work

In an updated edition of his hugely successful student introduction to English literature from 1100 to 1500, J. A. Burrow takes account of scholarly developments in the the field, most notably devoting a final chapter to the impact of historicism on medieval studies. Full of information and stimulating ideas, and a pleasure to read, Burrow's book deals with circumstances of composition and reception, the main genres, 'modes of meaning' (allegory etc.), and medievalliterature's afterlife in modern times. It shows that the literature of authors such as Chaucer, Gower, and Langland is more readily accessible than usually imagined, and well worth reading too. Byplacing medieval writers in their historical context - the four centuries between the Norman Conquest and the Renaissance - Professor Burrow explains not only how they wrote, but why.

“'Review from previous edition I have, like any conscientious reviewer, tried to find some bad things to say about this book, but I cannot find any. On the contrary ... it contributes not only understanding and insight, but good repute to the subject.'Derek Pearsall”

Review from previous edition I have, like any conscientious reviewer, tried to find some bad things to say about this book, but I cannot find any. On the contrary ... it contributes not only understanding and insight, but good repute to the subject.'Derek PearsallNo other brief introduction presents the literature of the period so intelligently.'Critical Quarterly`an excellent book for drawing attention to and clarifying the special difficulties of Middle English literature'Times Literary Supplement

John Burrow is Emeritus Professor and Research Fellow in the Department of English at Bristol University. He has published widely on middle English literature. His books include Medieval Writers and Their Work (1982).

In an updated edition of his hugely successful student introduction to English literature from 1100 to 1500, J. A. Burrow takes account of scholarly developments in the the field, most notably devoting a final chapter to the impact of historicism on medieval studies. Full of information and stimulating ideas, and a pleasure to read, Burrow's book deals with circumstances of composition and reception, the main genres, 'modes of meaning' (allegory etc.), and medieval literature's afterlife in modern times. It shows that the literature of authors such as Chaucer, Gower, and Langland is more readily accessible than usually imagined, and well worth reading too. By placing medieval writers in their historical context - the four centuries between the Norman Conquest and the Renaissance - Professor Burrow explains not only how they wrote, but why.

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