Sciences and the Self in Medieval Poetry: Alan of Lille's Anticlaudianus and John Gower's Confessio Amantis (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature) [Paperback]

James Simpson (Author)

Book Description

Series: Cambridge Studies in Medieval Literature | Publication Date: October 13, 2005

This study examines two great poems of the later medieval period, the Latin philosophical epic, Alan of Lille's Anticlaudianus (1181-3), and John Gower's English poem, the Confessio Amantis (1390-3). James Simpson locates these works in a cultural context dominated by two kinds of literary humanism, in which the concept of self is centered in the intellect and the imagination respectively, and shows the very different modes of thought that lie behind their conceptions of selfhood and education.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"For Simpson both poems point to a sophisticated psychology of faculties that each poet sees as pedagogic purpose of reading their works. This approach to reading these particular works provides many bridges of relevance for a contemporary reader while at the same time educating one to equally important readings in other poets like Chaucer and Dante for example. Highly recommended for its lively approach to reading medieval philosophic poems." The Reader's Review

"Sciences and the Seld in Medieva Poetry is unquestionably an importnat book, a necessary book, for anyone who takes either Alan or Gower seriously. Its influence on studies of the Anticlaudianus, the Confessio, and its place in the ongoing conversation about high medieval humanism, will be significant. Simpson shows his mettle here as a scholar of the very best kind-vigorous, contrarian, and wise." R.F. Yeager, Modern Philology

Book Description

In this study James Simpson examines two great poems of the later medieval period, the Latin philosophical epic, Alan of Lille's Anticlaudianus (1181SH3), and John Gower's English poem, the Confessio Amantis (1390SH3). Dr Simpson locates these works in a cultural context dominated by two kinds of literary humanism, in which the concept of self is centred in the intellect and the imagination respectively, and shows the very different modes of thought which lie behind their conceptions of selfhood and education.

Product Details

• Paperback: 336 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (October 13, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521021111
• ISBN-13: 978-0521021111
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,017,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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