The Later Middle Ages

This exceptionally wide-ranging, lucid and informative selection of texts pulls off a brilliant trick: it makes the strange places of the past accessible while revealing at the same time their fascinating variousness and complexity. It's not only a handbook for beginners but a treasure trove for those who already know their way around.' - Felicity Riddy, Emerita Professor of English and Related Literature and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of York, UK

More than a hundred primary documents offer students of later medieval English literature, society, and history intriguing original perspectives through which to understand the literary texts of the period 1350-1500 as well as the culture which created and received them. Complete with a substantial introduction, annotations and a timeline.This substantial anthology of documents offers students of later medieval English literature, society and history a range of interdisciplinary perspectives through which to understand the literary texts from the period 1350-1550. Informed by the latest scholarship and meticulous original research, it includes both classic texts and brings rare materials back into circulation. The documents illustrate and illuminate the languages of medieval England, its books and methods of manuscript production; as well as the diverse richness of the spirituality, chivalry and scientific knowledge that shaped the later medieval world.

Supported by a wide-range of pedagogically-designed tools to help students find their way into the history, literature and culture of the period, The Later Middle Ages: A Sourcebook includes:

• An authoritative introduction outlining key historical events, social and political movements, and literary and cultural ideas of the time.
• Informative headnotes, footnotes and section introductions, supporting the material and providing insights into how individual documents aid the reading of major texts
• A timeline and a chronological list of the major literary events of the period
• A comprehensive guide to further reading and useful websites

The Later Middle Ages: A Sourcebook makes available documents that are both important in their own right, and crucial for an understanding of the literary output of the period, challenging boundaries between text and context, literature and history. The rich source material and essential context that this book provides make it an invaluable resource for all students of Medieval Studies.