Department of English

Lycoming College

Williamsport, PA 17701

(570) 321-4290

preston@lycoming.edu

Guide to Lycoming College

What Is British Medieval Literature?

British medieval literature is the prose and poetry of the inhabitants of the British isles (including present-day England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland). It spans the time from the departure of the Romans from Britain (c. 400) until the establishment of the House of Tudor under Henry VII (1485). This literature includes genres ranging from historical records of invasion and conquest to fictional tales of heroes and monsters.

First manuscript page of The Canterbury Tales              First manuscript page of Beowulf

      Huntington Library MS EL 26 C 9                     British Library Cotton MS Vitellius A.xv

(Click images to enlarge)

Why Study British Medieval Literature?

1. Medieval literature is fascinating in its own right. It contains writings of fantasy, adventure, devotion, and humor. Through this literature you can enter another world. You'll not only find a world of knights and dragons; but one of sharp social commentary, raunchy good fun, and searching philosophical inquiry. You'll be struck by the differences between medieval and modern life, yet surprised by the similarities between these writers and yourself.

2. Studying medieval literature will give you a better understanding of the foundations of later cultures, including our own. You'll be able to see how the subjects, forms, and languages of medieval literature shaped the literatures that followed, even unto the present day.

3. Reading medieval literature will sharpen your critical thinking skills. As you read medieval works, you'll need to interpret complex texts, subtexts, contexts, and languages simultaneously.

Interlaced dogs from the Lindisfarne Gospels (c. 700AD)

Miscellaneous Good Medieval Links:

The Labyrinth: http://labyrinth.georgetown.edu/

(Georgetown University)

The ORB - On-line Reference Book for Medieval Studies: http://www.the-orb.net/

(College of Staten Island, City University of New York)

Britannia: http://www.britannia.com/index.html

(Private company; great historical resources)

Luminarium's Middle English Page: http://www.luminarium.org/medlit/

(Independent editor, but excellent content)

Anglo-Saxon History: A Select Bibliography: http://www.wmich.edu/medieval/research/rawl/keynesbib/home.htm

(Western Michigan University; Dr. Simon Keynes)

The Medieval Institute: http://www.wmich.edu/medieval/

(Western Michigan University; home of the annual International Congress on Medieval Studies)

Medieval Academy of America: http://www.medievalacademy.org/

(Professional organization; sponsor of annual Medieval Academy conference)

þæs ofereode; þisses swa mæg.

This page was last updated on 09/22/05.