In Helen Barr's new edition, the 24 short lyrics of Oxford Bodleian MS Digby 102 are freshly transcribed and edited. The critical apparatus includes a full introduction, extensive annotation to each poem, and a new glossary. New evidence shows that this sequence of poems was written in the early years of Henry V's reign (c.1413-14), and most probably by a Benedictine monk eager to add his support for the Henrician new dawn. There is strong support for war against France and for the proper conduct of parliamentary business. The poems are rigorous in their call for orthodox reform from within the Church. Throughout, the concerns of Church and State are inseparable from a fierce call for penitence, both collective and individual. The sequence contains some harrowing devotional writing; the poet makes especially agile use of demanding stanza forms to ensure that human beings are left in no doubt as to their failings. Barr's extensive annotation brings out not just the political significance of the poems but also their place in the tradition of devotional writing.
| ISBN: | 9780859898164 |
| Publication date: | 10th July 2009 |
| Author: | Helen Barr |
| Publisher: | Liverpool University Press |
| Format: | Hardback |
| Pagination: | 368 pages |
| Series: | Exeter Medieval Texts and Studies |
| Genres: |
Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval Poetry by individual poets |
In Helen Barr's new edition, the 24 short lyrics of Oxford Bodleian MS Digby 102 are freshly transcribed and edited. The critical apparatus includes a full introduction, extensive annotation to each poem, and a new glossary. New evidence shows that this sequence of poems was written in the early years of Henry V's reign (c.1413-14), and most probably by a Benedictine monk eager to add his support for the Henrician new dawn. There is strong support for war against France and for the proper conduct of parliamentary business. The poems are rigorous in their call for orthodox reform from within the Church. Throughout, the concerns of Church and State are inseparable from a fierce call for penitence, both collective and individual. The sequence contains some harrowing devotional writing; the poet makes especially agile use of demanding stanza forms to ensure that human beings are left in no doubt as to their failings. Barr's extensive annotation brings out not just the political significance of the poems but also their place in the tradition of devotional writing.
The Digby Poems features in the following genres: Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, Poetry by individual poets
The Digby Poems is available in Hardback, Paperback
The Digby Poems was written by Helen Barr and published by Liverpool University Press
The Digby Poems has 368 pages
Yes it is part of Exeter Medieval Texts and Studies series