Wyatt, Surrey and Early Tudor Poetry (Logman Medieval and Renaissance Library) [Paperback]

Elizabeth Heale (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1998 | ISBN-10: 058209352X | ISBN-13: 978-0582093522

For the courtiers of King Henry VIII, the writing of verse was a sign of a ready wit and social gracefulness. But their verse could also give coded expression to desires and resentments produced by competition amongst an elite for the favour of an increasingly tyrannical king. This study focuses primarily on the work of the two most successful courtier poets, Sir Thomas Wyatt (c.1503-1542) and Henry Howard, Earl of Surrey (1517-1547). Although Surrey admired and imitated Wyatt, each represents a significantly different element in the Henrician court. Wyatt was a 'new man', rising in the service of the King, while Surrey was a member of the old peerage, jealous of the erosion of traditional powers and privileges. The book offers readings of the full range of each man's writing, from amorous Italianate songs and sonnets, to classicizing epigrams and satires, and Reformist psalm paraphrases. The poetry is considered in the contexts of their careers, of the writing of contemporaries, and of the political and social conditions within which they lived. Dr Heale's analysis makes it clear that the lightest court song is often freighted with complex significance, while the poems of plain-speaking reflection prove to be wily approximations of the truth. This accessible and informative text will be a helpful resource for both undergraduate and postgraduate students of English literature and history, especially those taking courses on Renaissance and Early Modern writing, Tudor literature, and the Tudor court.

Product Details

• Paperback: 217 pages
• Publisher: Longman Group United Kingdom (May 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 058209352X
• ISBN-13: 978-0582093522
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,207,749 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable, April 26, 2000

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NotATameLion (Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wyatt, Surrey and Early Tudor Poetry (Logman Medieval and Renaissance Library) (Paperback)

Wyatt and Surrey are the twin towers of the early English sonneteers. This book is an indispensable resource as it brings their works together. Those who would study Spenser and Shakespeare's sonnets will benefit from the reading of these wonderful authors. I particularly recommend "They flee from me" by Wyatt. There be giants here... and Shakespeare stands upon their shoulders.