Description
Book SynopsisMiddle English devotional compilations - consisting of a series of texts or extracts of texts that have intentionally been put together to constitute new and unified devotional texts - have often been approached as complex collections of source texts that need to be linked with their originals. Middle English Devotional Compilations argues that the study of compilations should move beyond the disentanglement of their sources. This publication approaches compiling as a literary activity and an active way of shaping the medieval text, aiming to nuance scholarly discussion about compiling by putting greater emphasis on the literary instead of the technical aspects of compiling activity. In addition to describing the additions, omissions and other types of adaptations that compilers made to their source texts, Middle English Devotional Compilations highlights the nature and function of compiling activity in late medieval England. Furthermore, this monograph will examine three major but understudied Middle English devotional compilations in depth: the Pore Caitif, The Tretyse of Love and A Talkyng of the Love of God.
Table of ContentsSeries Editors' Preface Volume Preface Acknowledgements List of Tables Abbreviations 1. Compiling Styles and Strategies 2. The Pore Caitif 3. The Tretyse of Love 4. A Talkyng of the Love of God Afterword: Without the Multiplication of Many Books? Bibliography Appendix: A transcription of `ze that wollen lerne to loue god rede this litill scripte' Index
