Medieval English Lyrics and Carols

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Lyrics and carols represent significant forms of medieval literature. This anthology presents a diverse selection, starting with the earliest English lyrics celebrating romantic love and encompassing all pre-Chaucerian love lyrics, except for a few brief excerpts. It includes works by Chaucer and his successors, showcasing the evolution of the courtly love tradition. Devotional lyrics highlight the intimate relationship between the faithful and Christ as lover and beloved, as well as the Virgin Mary in various roles. The anthology also features lyrics addressing medieval moral and penitential themes, along with a variety of miscellaneous pieces such as drinking songs, ballads, satires, and humorous poems that critique societal norms and relationships. The texts are freshly edited, with a textual apparatus that clarifies manuscript variations and restores meaning, meter, and rhyme. Pre-Chaucerian poems are normalized to reflect late fourteenth-century London dialect, while later lyrics have standardized spellings for accessibility. Line-by-line glosses enhance readability. An extensive introduction evaluates the forms, themes, and contexts of the lyrics, while a comprehensive commentary provides additional vital information.