Genre: Medieval Literature

[Brendan]

Just thought I’d start some threads on favourites we may have in various genres.

The Canterbury Tales – Geoffrey Chaucer
I learned the Tales in original Chaucerian English back at the Hampton School (specifically The Wife of Bath’s Tale) in London, and have kept a copy of the complete Tales ever since. Nothing quite like it, Chaucer is perhaps the only serious rival to Shakespeare in English – although of a form sadly too difficult for most today.

The Faerie Queene – Edmund Spencer
The way the poetry flows with such effortless grace (try it sometime!) that the author disappears entirely. Enchanting and unique.

Le Morte d’Arthur – Sir Thomas Mallory
Worth the effort (I didn’t always think so) for the essence of the Arthurian mythos, so influential on Anglic culture ever since.

Gargantua and Pantagruel – Rabelais
I’m unsure if this is truly medieval, but a delight for any era.

[BWV 1080]

The icelandic sagas are at the top of the list