Description
Book SynopsisThe first attempt by ordinary lay people - merchants, scriveners, craftsmen - to write their own history, and its effect on the growth and development of London.The early fifteenth century witnessed the first attempt made by ordinary lay people - merchants, scriveners, craftsmen - to write their own history, in the so-called "London chronicles", which have had a profound effect upon the growth and development of London. The earliest of the extant chronicles represents the first generation of historical writing to be undertaken in English since the Anglo-Saxon chronicle, and reflects an important shift in the movement from a primarily oral to a literate culture. However, despite their significance for evidence of this change, and as a secular and largely vernacular voice, much about the London chronicles remain a mystery. This study, the first for over 80 years, includes manuscripts unknown to Kingsford in his 1913 survey, studies them in relation to each other, and draws together what can be known about their origins, purpose and effect upon their audience. It alsoprovides an annotated edition of the previously unpublished text of Bradford, West Yorkshire Archives, MS 32D86/42, while a selection of crucial events recorded in the chronicles -- such as the Rising of 1381 and Cade's Rebellion-- is presented in an appendix. MARY-ROSE McLAREN gained her Ph.D. from the University of Melbourne.
Trade Review[A] highly detailed and technical study. No historian should consult [the London] chronicles in future without McLaren as a guide. * SPECULUM *
Mary-Rose McLaren has put all scholars of the period in her debt by a careful and exhaustive analysis of all the extant chronicles, published or otherwise.. This will be the standard guide and interpretation of the London chronicles for the foreseeable future. * ALBION *
Table of ContentsPart 1 Exploring the London Chronicles: the authorship of the London Chronicles; the chroniclers as historians; the manuscripts of the London Chronicles. Part 2 An annotated edition of Bradford, West Yorkshire Archives MS 32D86/42: the Bradford Manuscript - an introduction; the Bradford Manuscript text and notes.
