The alliterative tradition is one of the most significant in medieval English poetry. This collections meets a longstanding need in presenting a number of little-known Middle English alliterative poems that have been overshadowed by the three masterpieces Pearl, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and Piers Plowman. It illustrates the great range and variety of alliterative verse, both rhymed and unrhymed. The poems range from descriptions of armies on the march, bloody battles, and dramatic storms, to quieter scenes--the silent stalking of a deer, a dream of goddesses. Whatever the subject--social and political satire, theological controversy, moral admonition--it is always given a lively and interesting setting, inviting us, in the words of The Parlement of the Thre Ages 'riche romance to rede and rekken the sothe off kempes and of conquerours'. The texts have been newly edited taking account of all the manuscripts, and are provided with full annotation, introductions, select bibliography, and a detailed glossary. Thorlac Turville-Petre is a Lecturer in English at the University of Nottingham. CONTENTS: The Harley Lyrics (selections) Wynnere and Wastoure The Parlement of the Thre Ages St Erkenwald A Pistel of Susan Somer Soneday The Three Dead Kings The Siege of Jerusalem (extract) John Clerk: The Destruction of Troy (extract) The Wars of Alexander (extract)
