The Medieval Lyric

by Peter Dronke

This highly acclaimed introduction to the medieval lyric during the period 850-1300 is now reissued in a third edition, which includes a new preface and substantial new bibliographical indications. After an introductory discussionof the performers and performance of lyrics in the middle ages, each chapter analyses one of the major lyrical genres and centres on close critical discussion of outstanding lyrics, with generous quotation of texts and translations. While the rise of religious lyric and the transformations of love-lyric receive the fullest treatment, there are also chapters on women's songs, on the alba, on dance-songs, and on `lyrics of realism'.

Genres: Poetry

302 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1968

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't say enough good things about this book. As insightful as it is beautifully written. Essentially a 'highlights' compilation of the poetry of the medieval period (mainly from C9-13). His analyses are astonishingly lucid - you end up reading the poetry in an entirely new way after his explanations.

[Austin Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential reading