Through its contextualizing introduction, notes, and gloss, this classroom-friendly edition of Middle English lyric poetry makes the wide variety of Marian poems available to students of all levels. The poems selected for this volume provide a sampling of the rich tradition of Marian devotion as expressed in Middle English. They range widely in form, tone, and aesthetic quality in how they relate the iconic moments from Mary's life-the Annunciation, Nativity, and her experience of Christ's passion, for instance-as well as in their variety of praises for the Queen of Heaven. Taken together, the poems express the full range of a people's effort to voice anxieties and joys through Mary. This collection will spark an excellent discussion on English spirituality, Marian devotion, and Middle English lyrical poetry.

About the Author
Karen Saupe is Professor of English at Calvin College. She specializes in Old and Middle English, Chaucer, and Christianity in medieval England.


Book Information
ISBN 9781580440066
Author Karen Saupe
Format Paperback
Page Count 312
Imprint Medieval Institute Publications
Publisher Medieval Institute Publications