Description
Book SynopsisThe poems in this volume were prized and preserved because of their association with Chaucer's name and have been, paradoxically, almost entirely ignored by modern readers for the same reason. Many of these pieces are worthy of study, not only in the context of Chaucerian reception, but also as specimens of the kinds of vernacular poetry that circulated in late medieval manuscripts and which remained in print, largely by the accidental virtue of their association with Chaucer, throughout the Renaissance and well into the nineteenth century. The various genres represented in this sampler (the dream vision, good counsel, female panegyric, mass parody, proverbial wisdom, lover's dialogue, prochecy, advice to princes, elegiac complaint, courtly parody, and anti-feminist satire) attest to the diversity of late medieval literary tastes and to the flexibility of the courtly idiom. In the sixteenth century both Chaucer's poetry and the diverse works with which it circulated appear to have continued to have been valued for their perceived courtly qualities. Chaucer's early scribal and print editors also appear to have prized his sphere of influence (attested to by imitation, continuation, and emendation) and his adaptability to contemporary social and political needs.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
General Introduction
The Court of Love Introduction
The Court of Love Explanatory Notes
TextualNotes
Literature of Courtly Love Introduction
In February Notes
O Merciful and O Mercyable Notes
The Craft of Lovers Explanatory Notes
Textual Notes
John Lydgate,
The Floure of Curtesye Notes
The Lovers' Mass Notes
The Antifeminist Tradition Introduction
I Have a Lady (The Descryvyng of a Fair Lady) Notes
O Mosy Quince Notes
John Lydgate,
Beware (The Blynde Eteth Many a Flye) Explanatory Notes
Textual Notes
Of Theyre Nature Notes
Good Counsel, Wisdom and Advice Introduction
Four Things That Make a Man a Fool and Yit of the Same Eight Goodly Questions with Their Aunswers Notes
Duodecim Abusiones (The Twelve Abuses)
Notes
Prophecy Notes
John Gower,
In Praise of Peace Explanatory Notes
Textual Notes
Scogan's Moral Balade Explanatory Notes
Textual Notes
Epigraph
Bibliography
Glossary
