The Oxford History of Classical Reception in English Literature

Volume 1: 800-1558

Rita Copeland editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Oxford University Press

Published:28th Jan '16

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The Oxford History of Classical Reception in English Literature cover

The Oxford History of Classical Reception in English Literature (OHCREL) is designed to offer a comprehensive investigation of the numerous and diverse ways in which literary texts of the classical world have stimulated responses and refashioning by English writers. Covering the full range of English literature from the early Middle Ages to the present day, OHCREL both synthesizes existing scholarship and presents cutting-edge new research, employing an international team of expert contributors for each of the five volumes. OHCREL endeavours to interrogate, rather than inertly reiterate, conventional assumptions about literary 'periods', the processes of canon-formation, and the relations between literary and non-literary discourse. It conceives of 'reception' as a complex process of dialogic exchange and, rather than offering large cultural generalizations, it engages in close critical analysis of literary texts. It explores in detail the ways in which English writers' engagement with classical literature casts as much light on the classical originals as it does on the English writers' own cultural context. This first volume, and fourth to appear in the series, covers the years c.800-1558, and surveys the reception and transformation of classical literary culture in England from the Anglo-Saxon period up to the Henrician era. Chapters on the classics in the medieval curriculum, the trivium and quadrivium, medieval libraries, and medieval mythography provide context for medieval reception. The reception of specific classical authors and traditions is represented in chapters on Virgil, Ovid, Lucan, Statius, the matter of Troy, Boethius, moral philosophy, historiography, biblical epics, English learning in the twelfth century, and the role of antiquity in medieval alliterative poetry. The medieval section includes coverage of Chaucer, Gower, and Lydgate, while the part of the volume dedicated to the later period explores early English humanism, humanist education, and libraries in the Henrician era, and includes chapters that focus on the classicism of Skelton, Douglas, Wyatt, and Surrey.

This impressive volume, ably edited by Rita Copeland and featuring a truly distinguished group of contributors, will be of use to any medievalist interested in the problem of medieval Latinity- that is to say, to any medievalist. * Larry Scanlon, Rutgers University, Speculum 97/3 *
Volume 1 (800-1558) is the most ambitious to date, aiming for coverage of the classics' impact over a period of some 760 years. * G. Divary, CHOICE *
Although targeting medievalists and students of English literature, the discussions concerning transmission and reception are valuable to anyone interested in how English literature adapted and engaged with classical literature. * Kathleen Burt, Classical Journal Online *

ISBN: 9780199587230

Dimensions: 240mm x 165mm x 46mm

Weight: 1240g

776 pages