The Later Middle Ages: A Sourcebook

This substantial anthology of documents offers students of later medieval English literature, society and history a range of interdisciplinary perspectives through which to understand literary texts from the period 1350-1550. Informed by the latest scholarship and meticulous original research, it both includes classic texts and brings rare materials back into circulation. The documents illustrate and illuminate the languages of medieval England, its books and methods of manuscript production; as well as the diverse richness of the spirituality, chivalry and scientific knowledge that shaped the later medieval world.

Supported by a wide-range of pedagogically designed tools to help students find their way into the history, literature and culture of the period, The Later Middle Ages: A Sourcebook includes:

an authoritative introduction outlining key historical events, social and political movements, and literary and cultural ideas of the time

informative headnotes, footnotes and section introductions, supporting the material and providing insights into how individual documents aid the reading of major texts

a timeline and a chronological list of the major literary events of the period

a comprehensive guide to further reading and useful websites.

The Later Middle Ages: A Sourcebook makes available documents that are both important in their own right, and crucial for an understanding of the literary output of the period, challenging boundaries between text and context, literature and history. The rich source material and essential context that this book provides make it an invaluable resource for all students of Medieval Studies.

Carolyn P. Collette is Professor of English at Mount Holyoke College.

Harold Garrett-Goodyear is Professor of history at Mount Holyoke College.