Description
Book SynopsisThe rhymed chronicles by Pierre de Langtoft and Robert Mannyng, written between c.1305 and 1338, form a unique pair in the history of English literature and historiography. Both were written in the North of England, both deal with the history of the kings of England from Brutus to the death of Edward I in July 1307. Yet the differences between them are significant. Langtoft wrote in Anglo-Norman with a specific purpose and a specific audience in mind. Robert Mannyng translated a large part of Langtoft's work into English for a very different kind of audience. Although he stayed close to his source-text in many places, his deviations offer insights into the way the English clergy and the public they addressed viewed themselves, their history and their future. The Matter of Kings' Lives is of interest to social and political historians, especially those interested in the reign of Edward I and Anglo-Scottish relations, and to literary historians who may find that these works have more to offer than has hitherto been realized.
Table of ContentsPreface. Abbreviations used in text and bibliography. A note on the reference system used in this book. I Introduction. II An Introduction to Pierre de Langtoft and his Chronicle. III Escotez la Defaute: A Reading of Langtoft's Chronicle. IV Politics and Personalities: The Purpose of Pierre de Langtoft's Chronicle. V Politics and the English People in the Early Fourteenth Century. VI An Introduction to Robert Mannyng and his Chronicle. VII Als þei þaid, ban say I: A Reading of Robert Mannyng's Chronicle. VIII I trauayled for 3our solace: anxiety and reassurance in Robert Mannyng's Chronicle. IX Epilogue. Appendix I: A List of Langtoft MSS. Notes. Bibliography. Index.
