William Langland

Astonishing in its cultural and theological scope, William Langland’s iconoclastic masterpiece is at once a historical relic and a deeply spiritual vision, probing not only the social and religious aristocracy but also the day-to-day realities of a largely voiceless proletariat class. E. Talbot Donaldson’s translation of the text has been selected for this Norton Critical Edition because of its skillful emulation of the original poem’s distinct alliterative verse. Selections of the authoritative Middle English text are also included for comparative analysis. "Sources and Backgrounds" includes a large collection of contemporary religious and historical documents pertaining to the poem, including selections from the Douai Bible, accounts of the plague, and legal statutes. "Criticism" includes twenty interpretive essays by leading medievalists, among them E. Talbot Donaldson, George Kane, Jill Mann, Derek Pearsall, C. David Benson, and Elizabeth D. Kirk. A Glossary and Selected Bibliography are also included.

Written by a fourteenth-century cleric, this spiritual allegory explores man in relation to his ultimate destiny against the background of teeming, colorful medieval life.

The magnificent heritage of English poetry before Chaucer is often neglected because of difficulties with unfamiliar dialect. These translations reveal what we are missing if we ignore it. Piers Plowman belongs to the tradition of medieval allegory, but without any of the stuffiness that label suggests. It paints a vivid picture of everyday life in the 14th century with a vigour and detail which anticipates The Canterbury Tales. However, the jewel in the crown of Middle English verse is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, here presented in the classic version by JRR Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings (currently being filmed). A wonderfully told story which combines suspense, fantasy, exquisite domestic detail and sensuality.

The translator of this work was a founding editor of The Norton Anthology of English Literature.

The Vision And Creed Of Piers Ploughman VOL. III is a 14th-century allegorical poem that delves into social justice, morality, and the human condition. Through the vivid dreams of a ploughman named Piers, the work offers a critical view of medieval England, particularly its social and religious corruption. The protagonist s vision, filled with various symbolic characters, highlights the struggles of both the rich and the poor and the hypocrisy within the church. It explores the deep flaws of society, driven by pride, greed, and vice. The poem introduces a lady symbolizing the Holy Church, who imparts spiritual wisdom and urges the dreamer to seek truth and virtuous living. Piers, as the central figure, represents the righteous and their commitment to societal betterment, emphasizing the moral duties individuals hold within their communities. Through the dreamer's journey, the text challenges individuals to confront their own actions and responsibilities, offering a critique of the existing social order while advocating for a return to virtue and justice.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1873.

Reprint of the original, first published in 1873.

Piers the Plowman and Richard the Redeless - Volume I: Text is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1886. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.

Piers the Plowman is an unchanged, high-quality reprint of the original edition of 1869. Hansebooks is editor of the literature on different topic areas such as research and science, travel and expeditions, cooking and nutrition, medicine, and other genres. As a publisher we focus on the preservation of historical literature. Many works of historical writers and scientists are available today as antiques only. Hansebooks newly publishes these books and contributes to the preservation of literature which has become rare and historical knowledge for the future.