Subject
Literature, Medieval -- History and criticism Books
Best books
Charles Sears Baldwin
Medieval rhetoric and poetic to 1400 : $b Interpreted from representative works
"Medieval rhetoric and poetic to 1400: Interpreted from representative works" by Charles Sears Baldwin is a scholarly study written in the early 20th century. It traces how medieval theories of composition—rhetoric and poetic—both reflected and shaped education and literature, reading them through key texts and practices. The volume follows the transmission from antiquity, the dominance of style in the schools, and the complementary roles of sermons, letters, hymnody, and verse narrative, culminating in the vernacular achievements of Dante and Chaucer. The opening of this study sets out its plan and stakes: to read medieval rhetoric and poetic historically and in tandem, showing how they descend from late Roman schooling, absorb St. Augustine’s reforming impulse for preaching, and become largely a lore of style in the hands of the medieval grammarian. It then begins with a concise genealogy of sophistic rhetoric, contrasting Plato’s suspicion with Aristotle’s broader, moral theory of rhetoric, and explaining how the loss of deliberative public speech pushed ancient practice toward display and panegyric. Baldwin sketches the “second sophistic” via Philostratus—its virtuosity, theme-based declamation, improvisation, theatrical delivery, decorative dilation (notably ecphrasis), and reliance on fixed patterns. He illustrates how school exercises (the progymnasmata of Hermogenes—fable, chria, encomium, comparison, characterization, ecphrasis, thesis, and more) crystallized habits that prized balance, archaism, clausular cadence, and vehemence over sustained argument. The section closes by implying that such empty technic required a new motive—ultimately supplied by Christian preaching—to restore rhetoric’s larger purpose.
George Saintsbury
The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise of Allegory (Periods of European Literature, vol. II)
"The Flourishing of Romance and the Rise of Allegory" by George Saintsbury is a historical account of European literature written in the late 19th century. This volume explores the developments of vernacular literature during the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, particularly the flourishing of romance and the emergence of allegorical forms. The work examines various literary movements and their cultural contexts, with a particular focus on French literature and its influences on other vernacular traditions. The opening of the text establishes the purpose of the series it belongs to, which is to provide a comprehensive overview of European literature in its historical context. Saintsbury discusses the limitations of focusing solely on Latin literature, arguing that while it played a crucial role, the vernacular languages were essential to understanding the literary landscape of the period. He outlines the significance of Latin's influence on the development of vernacular literature, particularly through forms such as comic writing, hymns, and scholastic philosophy. This sets the stage for a detailed examination of the narratives and forms that characterized the literature of the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, hinting at deeper discussions regarding the chivalric romances and the complexities of medieval literary expression throughout the subsequent chapters.
Alfred Trübner Nutt
Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail With Especial Reference to the Hypothesis of Its Celtic Origin
"Studies on the Legend of the Holy Grail" by Alfred Trübner Nutt is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. This work examines the various forms and origins of the Holy Grail legend, with a strong emphasis on its connections to Celtic traditions and influences. The book serves as both a study of the Grail Romance cycle and an investigation into the historical, literary, and mythical aspects of the legend. The opening of the scholarly work introduces the author’s intent to explore the different iterations of the Grail legend and their relationships to one another. It begins with a dedication to J. F. Campbell, highlighting the significance of Celtic tradition in Nutt's interpretation. The introduction outlines the structure of the studies, noting that the work does not aim for exhaustiveness but rather focuses on specific aspects of the Grail narrative. Nutt emphasizes the challenges historians face in tracing the origins of the Grail stories, navigating through various manuscripts and forms of the legend, while preparing to delve into the particulars of significant texts that have shaped the legend's evolution.
W. P. (William Paton) Ker
Epic and Romance: Essays on Medieval Literature
"Epic and Romance: Essays on Medieval Literature" by W. P. Ker is a scholarly exploration of medieval narrative literature, written in the late 19th century. This collection of essays delves into the principal forms of narrative during the Middle Ages, particularly focusing on epic and romantic traditions, and examines significant works from this era. The text provides a critical lens to understand how these literary forms reflect the transition from an earlier heroic age to a later era characterized by chivalry and romantic ideals. The opening of the book introduces themes central to the study of medieval literature, as the author discusses the distinguishing features of epic and romance. Ker emphasizes the nature of epic poetry as grand, heroic, and comprehensive, often rooted in historical events and characters, while contrasting it with the more fantastical and courtly nature of romance narratives. He sets the stage for a deeper examination of specific works, highlighting the relevance of historical context and societal values in shaping these literary traditions. This introduction captures the essence of the ongoing dialogue between the heroic and the romantic, framing the evolution of storytelling in the medieval period.
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Song and Legend from the Middle Ages
"Song and Legend from the Middle Ages" by William D. MacClintock and Porter Lander McClintock is a collection of selected excerpts that showcases the rich tapestry of European Continental literature from the eleventh to the thirteenth centuries, likely compiled in the late 19th century. This work aims to provide readers with an accessible introduction to the themes, forms, and spirit of medieval literature, highlighting how various national literatures shared commonalities while expressing unique cultural characteristics. The opening portion of the text serves to outline the intent of the book, beginning with a preface that clarifies the challenges posed by language barriers for English readers regarding medieval European literature. The editors emphasize the need for a curated selection of works that encapsulate the essence of this period, focusing on key genres such as epic poetry, romances, and lyrical works. They explain how the medieval literary landscape was influenced by socio-political factors, religious traditions, and communal narratives that defined the zeitgeist of the era. Additionally, the first chapter introduces French literature, detailing its distinctions and categorizing various forms including national epics and romances, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of medieval literary achievements.
Edward T. (Edward Tompkins) McLaughlin
Studies in Mediæval Life and Literature
"Studies in Mediæval Life and Literature" by Edward T. McLaughlin is a scholarly publication written in the late 19th century. The book explores the themes and sentiments surrounding life and literature in the mediæval period, offering insights into the social and cultural dynamics of that era. It includes essays on various topics, with a focus on the evolving relationship between humanity and nature, as well as reflections on notable figures and their contributions to mediæval literature. The opening of this work provides a detailed introduction to both the author and the topics he intends to address. McLaughlin reflects on the transition in perceptions of nature, marking a shift from the more utilitarian and less sentimental views of the Middle Ages, to a burgeoning appreciation for nature's beauty and sublimity, seen in the works of poets like Petrarch. He contrasts the emotional engagement with nature found in later literature with the more subdued and practical sentiments of earlier mediæval writings, setting the stage for a broader discussion on the cultural developments of the time and their influence on literary expression. This sets a thought-provoking tone that invites readers to consider how literature mirrors the changing attitudes toward nature and personal emotion in the context of historical social structures.
Domenico Comparetti
Virgilio nel Medio Evo, vol. II
"Virgilio nel Medio Evo, vol. II" by Domenico Comparetti is a scholarly work written in the late 19th century. This text explores the influence of the ancient Roman poet Virgil during the medieval period, particularly focusing on his role in popular legends and folklore. The book delves into how his legacy transformed and interacted with medieval culture, emphasizing the intertwining of classical elements with emerging romantic notions. At the start of this volume, the author outlines the significant divergence between medieval vernacular poetry and classical poetic forms, arguing that the former wasn't born out of rebellion but rather evolved alongside classical traditions. Comparetti discusses the nature of poetry in the medieval era, noting that while it incorporated elements of ancient literature, it also developed its unique characteristics shaped by religious and cultural contexts. He introduces the concept of Virgil as a towering figure of inspiration, examining the fascinating amalgamation of myth and history surrounding Virgil, particularly within Naples, where he is credited with numerous miraculous deeds and protective qualities. This opening portion sets the stage for a detailed examination of how Virgil's legacy was romanticized and transformed during the medieval period, serving as a foundation for the subsequent chapters.
Domenico Comparetti
Virgilio nel Medio Evo, vol. I
"Virgilio nel Medio Evo, vol. I" by Domenico Comparetti is a scholarly historical account written in the late 19th century. The work explores the enduring legacy and influence of the Roman poet Virgil throughout the Middle Ages, detailing the cultural interpretations and transformations of his character. Ignite with rich historical discourse, it promises a deeper understanding of Virgil's impact on European thought across the centuries. The opening of the book sets the stage for an in-depth examination of Virgil's reputation during the Middle Ages, emphasizing the need for a thorough study that has been previously overlooked. Comparetti aims to investigate how Virgil was perceived in the literary tradition leading up to Dante, addressing both the magical legends surrounding him and their integration into popular folklore. The introduction highlights the complexities of Virgil's legacy, noting that his prominence in medieval literature is neither purely literary nor entirely attributed to the supernatural, but woven into a broader cultural and historical narrative that traces back to the very time of Virgil's own life.
Vald. Vedel
De Ridderromantiek der Franse en Duitse Middeleeuwen
"De Ridderromantiek der Franse en Duitse Middeleeuwen" door Vald. Vedel is een cultuurhistorische studie geschreven in de vroege 20e eeuw. Het boek onderzoekt de ridderromantiek en haar invloed op de ontwikkeling van de moderne literatuur en maatschappij, met een focus op de 12de en 13de eeuwse aristocratische en romantische culturen van Frankrijk en Duitsland. Vedel delves into how these medieval traditions shaped contemporary notions of chivalry and societal roles. The opening of the text sets the stage by discussing the historical context of the aristocracy during the 11th century in France and Germany, highlighting the chaos and anarchy among the nobility. Vedel references various chroniclers who recorded the violent and reckless behavior of the nobility, establishing a contrast between their brutality and the idealized heroism found in heroic epics. He introduces the notion that amidst this disorder, the concepts and narratives surrounding knighthood and heroism developed, eventually influencing both literature and modern societal structures, indicating a deeper connection between historical events and their narrative representations.
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