The Facts on File Companion to British Poetry before 1600 - CD - How to Use This Book

Sep 18, 2026

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A reference companion volume explaining how to navigate “The Facts On File Companion to British Poetry before 1600,” part of a four-volume set on British poetry from early origins to later periods. This volume focuses on poems from the Anglo-Saxon, Middle English, and early Renaissance (Tudor) eras across England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. The introduction clarifies why “British literature” is a loosely used term, notes postcolonial critical perspectives, and frames the entries’ balanced approach for students, teachers, librarians, and general readers.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages529

Reading Time13 h 35 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

How to Use This Book

Scope and Context

Entry Approach and Audience

| the fact s on file | | --- | | C o m pa n i o n t o | British Poetry Before 1600 CD michelle m. Sauer the Facts on File Companion to British poetry before 1600 copyright © 2008 michelle m. Sauer all rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage or retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the publisher. For information contact: Facts On File, inc. an imprint of infobase Publishing 132 West 31st Street New York NY 10001 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-publication Data The Facts on File companion to British poetry before 1600 / [edited by] michelle m. Sauer. [p. cm](p. cm).—(companion to literature) “The Facts On File companion to British Poetry before 1600 is part of a four-volume set on British poetry from the beginnings to the present.” includes bibliographical references and index. iSBN 978-0-8160-6360-4 (acid-free paper) 1. english poetry. i. Sauer, michelle m. , 1972– ii. Facts on File, inc. iii. Title: companion to British poetry before 1600. Pr1175 .F19 2008 821—dc22 2007024865 Facts On File books are available at special discounts when purchased in bulk quantities for businesses, associations, institutions, or sales promotions. Please call our Special Sales Department in New York at (212) 967- 8800 or (800) 322-8755. You can find Facts On File on the World Wide Web at [http://www.factsonfile.com](http://www.factsonfile.com) Text design adapted by annie O’Donnell cover design by Salvatore luongo Printed in the united States of america VB hermitage 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 This book is printed on acid-free paper and contains 30 percent postconsumer recycled content. Contents CD introduction iv acknowledgments xiii Journal aBBreviations xiv entries a to Z 1 aPPendixes i. glossary 484 ii. selected Bibliography 487 iii. contributors list 489 index 497 IntroduCtIon CD How to Use tHis Book The Facts On File Companion to British Poetry before 1600 is part of a four-volume set on British poetry from its beginning to the present. This particular volume covers poetry written during the anglo-Saxon, middle english, and early renaissance (Tudor) literary periods in the area traditionally referred to as the British isles, which includes england, ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Today’s Great Britain includes Wales, Scotland, england, and Northern ireland. The republic of ireland has been independent since 1921. The issue of what, exactly, makes up “British literature” is a complicated one. certainly, the first “British” people were celtic in origin, and the word itself derives from the people who populated a region that is now in northern France (Brittany) . after the Germanic invasions (traditional date 449 c.e.), the angles and Saxons melded into a singular culture that pushed the celtic Britons into the further reaches of Wales, cornwall, and [Scotland. as](Scotland. as) they expanded outward, the anglo-Saxons tended to absorb the native culture; thus, arthur—originally Welsh in origin—became an anglo-Saxon hero. certainly, the anglo-Saxons, and, later, the english, embarked upon campaigns of military conquest against the various celtic peoplesand over the years subjugated Wales, ireland, and Scotland. By the time James Stuart took the throne as James i in 1603, he was styled King of england, Scotland, and ireland (Wales, as an annexed principal- ity, was not part of the monarchial title) . in essence, english culture was one of colonization, starting with the original Germanic invasions. recent criticism has striven to present ireland and irish literature within the context of postcolonial studies, and these ideas have been extended to Welsh and Scottish literary productions too. Despite being problematic, however, the term British is the one used most often, if just for convenience sake. Part of the diffi

FAQs

What time periods does this volume cover?

It covers poetry from the Anglo-Saxon, Middle English, and early Renaissance (Tudor) literary periods.

Why is the term “British literature” described as loosely used?

The introduction explains it is complicated to define and varies by academic and national perspectives, including differences between American and UK/Ireland contexts.

Who is this book designed to benefit?

It is primarily aimed at students but is also designed to support teachers, librarians, and general readers who love poetry.

Sep 18, 2026

Upload by Aurora