A Middle English Reader and Vocabulary
| A Middle English Reader and Vocabulary | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Author | Kenneth Sisam (editor), J.R.R. Tolkien |
| Publisher | Dover Publications |
| Released | 2005 |
| Format | Paperback |
| Pages | 512 |
| ISBN | 978-0486440231 |
A Middle English Reader and Vocabulary is a modern reprint of an old and rare Tolkien book, published in 2005 by Dover Publications, New York.
The book reprints two works:
- 1. Fourteenth Century Verse & Prose by Kenneth Sisam, originally published in 1921 by Clarendon Press, Oxford. It is a selection of Middle English poetry.
- 2. A Middle English Vocabulary by J.R.R. Tolkien, originally published in 1922, also by Clarendon Press, Oxford. This is a glossary of Middle English words, intended to accompany Sisam's Verse & Prose. It is Tolkien's first published book.
Contents[edit | edit source]
- Map
- Introduction
- A Middle English Reader (by Kenneth Sisam)
- I. Robert Mannyng of Brunne's Handlyng Synne
- II. Sir Orfeo
- III. Michael of Northgate's Ayenbyte of Inwyt
- IV. Richard Rolle of Hampole
- V. Sir Gawayne and the Grene Knight
- VI. The Pearl, ll. 361-612
- VII. The Gest Hystoriale of the Destruction of Troy
- VIII. Piers Plowman
- IX. Mandeville's Travels
- X. John Barbour's Bruce
- XI. John Wiclif
- XII. John Gower
- XIII. John of Trevisa's Translation of Higden's Polychronicon
- XIV. Political Pieces
- XV. Miscellaneous Pieces in Verse
- XVI. The York Play 'Harrowing of Hell'
- XVII. The Towneley Play of Noah
- Notes
- Appendix: The English Language in the Fourteenth Century
- A Middle English Vocabulary (by J.R.R. Tolkien)
From the publisher[edit | edit source]
Scholarly and highly informative, this anthology represents a distinctive contribution to the understanding and enjoyment of Middle English literature. Kenneth Sisam's well-chosen extracts from writings of the 14th century illustrate a rising new spirit in vernacular works. Selections include excerpts from such tales as Sir Gawayne and the Grene Knight and the Gest Hystoriale of the destruction of Troy, the immortal Piers Plowman, John Wycliffe's translation of the Bible, political commentaries, and poetry. In addition to notes on each selection and an informative appendix, this volume features an extensive glossary by J. R. R. Tolkien. Best known as the author of The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien was an Oxford University professor of linguistics whose "vocabulary" offers an effective and practical complement to this outstanding anthology.
External links[edit | edit source]
- Transcript of the Verse & Prose at Gutenberg.org
- Transcript of the Vocabulary at Gutenberg.org
