Description
Book SynopsisFirst collective study of the Anglo-Norman prose chronicles, bringing out their essential characteristics, setting them in context, and showing their writers' aims and objectives. The medieval Anglo-Norman prose chronicles are fascinating hybrids of history, legends and romance, building on the rich tradition of historical writing circulating in England at the time of their composition, such as Geoffrey ofMonmouth's Historia and the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Their prime subject is the history of England, but they also shed much light on other networks of influence, such as those between families and religious houses. Thisbook studies the essential characteristics of the genre for the first time, situating Anglo-Norman prose chronicles within the multilingual cultures of late medieval England. It considers the chronicles' treatment of the "legendary history of Britain", legends about English heroes, accounts of the Norman Conquest, and histories of noble families. In particular, it explores how Anglo-Norman prose chronicles rewrite the past with rhetorical flourish, in order to advance the contemporary political and personal agendas of their authors and patrons. John Spence gained his PhD from the University of Cambridge.
Trade ReviewThanks to the scrupulous and precise scholarship which he has brought to the study of many disparate and scattered texts, Spence has come to some very convincing conclusions. His is a much-needed book that deserves praise. * ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW *
The overall breadth of coverage is impressive and the bibliography is extensive. This investigation of an important genre is a very welcome addition to our understanding of insular French literature. * FRENCH STUDIES *
Table of ContentsIntroduction The rhetoric of confidence in the prologues to Anglo-Norman prose chronicles The legendary history of Britain in Anglo-Norman prose chronicles Legends of English heroes: Engel, Havelok, Constance Representations of the Norman Conquest in Anglo-Norman prose chronicles Family chronicles Conclusions Appendix: Two extracts from the Scalacronica: texts and translations
