Studies in the Harley Manuscript

This comprehensive examination of a crucial medieval manuscript reveals its significance for literary scholars and enhances our understanding of early English literature.

This book offers an in-depth exploration of a manuscript that holds immense significance for scholars of medieval English literature. Studies in the Harley Manuscript presents a thorough analysis through an introduction and fifteen insightful essays contributed by a team of experts. Together, they delve into the 140 folios of this trilingual miscellany, which houses 121 items (or 122, depending on the counting method) that provide a unique window into the rich literary heritage of England prior to the rise of vernacular poetry during the Richardian era.

The essays cover a wide range of topics, including the history and composition of the manuscript itself, as well as the Anglo-Norman, English, and Latin works it contains. Each contribution sheds light on different facets of the manuscript, allowing readers to appreciate its complexity and value. The book serves as a companion volume to the comprehensive three-volume edition of Harley 2253, further emphasizing its importance in the field.

Studies in the Harley Manuscript not only highlights the literary significance of the manuscript but also enriches our understanding of the cultural and historical contexts from which these texts emerged. It is an essential resource for anyone interested in medieval literature and the evolution of English literary traditions.