The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism: Volume 2, The Middle Ages

This volume offers a comprehensive exploration of medieval literary theory and criticism, highlighting significant traditions and key figures, including Dante and the humanist debates.

This unique volume, The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism: Volume 2, The Middle Ages, provides an insightful introduction to the literary theory and criticism that emerged during the Middle Ages. It encompasses a wide range of traditions, including Medieval Latin, Byzantine Greek, and various European vernaculars. The essays delve into the humanist debates surrounding literature, exploring its purposes and significance in medieval society. This comprehensive examination reveals the rich tapestry of thought that characterized the era.

The book begins with an exploration of grammar and the formal arts such as poetry, letter-writing, and preaching. It then transitions into a detailed analysis of the Latin commentary tradition that focused on classical and classicising literature. The authors also discuss medieval perspectives on literary imagination and memory, emphasizing how certain texts were believed to provide moral benefits through enjoyment. The essays highlight the evolution of theoretical and critical traditions across vernacular languages, including Medieval Irish, Old Norse, Occitan, and Middle High German, with a particular focus on Dante and his commentators, as well as Italian humanist criticism.

In conclusion, The Cambridge History of Literary Criticism: Volume 2, The Middle Ages examines the attitudes toward literature within Greek Byzantium, offering a holistic view of the literary landscape during this pivotal period. This volume is essential for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of literary criticism and theory in medieval Europe.