Verse and Virtuosity

The Adaptation of Latin Rhetoric in Old English Poetry

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Language Arts, Linguistics
Cover of the book Verse and Virtuosity by Janie Steen, University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Janie Steen ISBN: 9781442691308
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division Publication: May 24, 2008
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Janie Steen
ISBN: 9781442691308
Publisher: University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division
Publication: May 24, 2008
Imprint:
Language: English

While there is little evidence of formal rhetorical instruction in Anglo-Saxon England, traditional Old English poetry clearly shows the influence of Latin rhetoric. Verse and Virtuosity demonstrates how Old English poets imitated and adapted the methods of Latin literature, and, in particular, the works of the Christian Latin authors they had studied at school. It is the first full-length study to look specifically at what Old English poets working in a Latinate milieu attempted to do with the schemes and figures they found in their sources.

Janie Steen argues that, far from sterile imitation, the inventiveness of Old English poets coupled with the constraints of vernacular verse produced a vital and markedly different kind of poetry. Highlighting a selection of Old English poetic translations of Latin texts, she considers how the translators responded to the challenge of adaptation, and shows how the most accomplished, such as Cynewulf, absorb Latin rhetoric into their own style and blend the two traditions into verse of great virtuosity. With its wide-ranging discussion of texts and rhetorical figures, this book can serve as an introduction to Old English poetic composition and style. Verse and Virtuosity, will be of considerable interest to Anglo-Saxonists, linguists, and those studying rhetorical traditions.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

While there is little evidence of formal rhetorical instruction in Anglo-Saxon England, traditional Old English poetry clearly shows the influence of Latin rhetoric. Verse and Virtuosity demonstrates how Old English poets imitated and adapted the methods of Latin literature, and, in particular, the works of the Christian Latin authors they had studied at school. It is the first full-length study to look specifically at what Old English poets working in a Latinate milieu attempted to do with the schemes and figures they found in their sources.

Janie Steen argues that, far from sterile imitation, the inventiveness of Old English poets coupled with the constraints of vernacular verse produced a vital and markedly different kind of poetry. Highlighting a selection of Old English poetic translations of Latin texts, she considers how the translators responded to the challenge of adaptation, and shows how the most accomplished, such as Cynewulf, absorb Latin rhetoric into their own style and blend the two traditions into verse of great virtuosity. With its wide-ranging discussion of texts and rhetorical figures, this book can serve as an introduction to Old English poetic composition and style. Verse and Virtuosity, will be of considerable interest to Anglo-Saxonists, linguists, and those studying rhetorical traditions.

More books from University of Toronto Press, Scholarly Publishing Division

Cover of the book By Himself by Janie Steen
Cover of the book The Donut by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Peasant, Lord, and Merchant by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Liberal Hearts and Coronets by Janie Steen
Cover of the book The Idea File of Harold Adams Innis by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Cabot to Cartier by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Learning to Change Lives by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Narratology by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Municipalities and Multiculturalism by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Korean Immigrants in Canada by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Civility by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Christopher Columbus's Naming in the 'diarios' of the Four Voyages (1492-1504) by Janie Steen
Cover of the book To Walk with the Devil by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Etudes sur la Geographie du Canada by Janie Steen
Cover of the book Law of the Land by Janie Steen
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy