Poetria Nova

by Geoffrey of Vinsauf, Margaret F. Nims (Translator), Martin Camargo (Introduction)

The Poetria nova , written by the Englishman Geoffrey of Vinsauf shortly after 1200, was the most influential medieval treatise on rhetorical poetics. Modeled on Horace's Ars poetica , it is an art of poetry (and prose) in 2121 hexameter verses. With its updated scholarship and improved format, this revised edition is a valuable resource for anyone interested in medieval literature or the history of rhetoric and writing instruction.

Genres: Medieval, Poetry, Nonfiction, Literary Criticism

95 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1210

Reviews

[Jared · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Theory makes the craftsman sure; experience makes him ready; imitation makes him versatile.”

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Geoffrey of Vinsauf appeals very much to the more extravagant and poetic side of my writer-self. His descriptions (though sometimes redundant) are usually superb and utterly beautiful. Interesting that he was able to incorporate Horace's sense of decorum with his aesthetics.

[Kate McNerney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Geoffrey basically just copied Horace Ars Poética with all his ideas, thanks, buddy, know I have to figure out the difference between your writings and Horace, which is basically impossible.

[Ava · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just an excellent ars poetica, especially for how Geoffrey creates his own examples to improbably string all the different rhetorical colors together. Easily stomps Horace