Longman Literature in English SeriesGeneral Editors: David Carroll, University of Lancaster; Michael Wheeler, University of Southampton; Chris Walsh, Chester College of Higher EducationEnglish Literature in the Age of Chaucer presents a thorough survey of one of the most exciting and creative periods in English literature, centering around its most original and influential literary representative, Geoffrey Chaucer. In addition to detailed and sensitive treatment of Chaucer's major works, the book includes chapters on his chief contemporaries, such as John Gower, William Langland and the Gawain-poet. It also examines the often underrated contribution to the English literary tradition of his successors John Lydgate and Thomas Hoccleve, as well as the interesting and original work of the Scottish poets, Robert Henryson, William Dunbar and Gavin Douglas, who also claim Chaucer as their model.
Apart from the narrative poetry of Chaucer and his followers, the book also contains chapters on the Middle English lyric; Middle English prose, including Mandeville's travels; the most original and imaginative writings of the Middle English mystics, in particular Julian of Norwich and Margery Kempe; and Thomas Malory's impressive prose compilation of Arthurian stories. Written in an engaging and accessible manner, English Literature in the Age of Chaucer serves as both a lucid introduction to Middle English literature for those coming fresh to the study of earlier English writing, and as a stimulating examination of the themes, traditions and the literary achievement of a number of particulary original and interesting authors. Dieter Mehl is Emeritus Professor of English at the University of Bonn. His previous publications include the volumes Shakespeare's Tragedies: An Introduction (1986) and Geoffrey Chaucer: An Introduction to his Narrative Poetry (1986).