The language of old and Middle English poetry

by G. A. Lester

Understanding the language of Old and Middle English poetry is not just a matter of 'translating' medieval texts into a digestible form. The language was itself the subtlest expression of the whole culture. To understand all its complexities may be an impossible task, but to make the attempt immeasurably increases the pleasure and value of a reader's experience. This book is concerned with those aspects of Old and Middle English language which most affect poetry, particularly vocabulary, semantics and syntax. It assumes no prior knowledge of the language or literature of the period and is an ideal starting point for those tackling these texts for the first time and those who wish to explore the language of medieval English poetry in more detail.