Books by Peter Dronke

Peter Dronke illuminates a unique literary tradition: the narrative that mixes prose with verse. Highlighting a wide range of texts, he defines and explores the creative ways in which mixed forms were used in Europe from antiquity through the thirteenth century. Verse with Prose distinguishes for the first time some of the most significant uses of mixed forms. Dronke looks at the way prose and verse elements function in satirical works, beginning in the third century B.C. with Menippus. He examines allegorical techniques in the mixed form, giving especially rewarding attention to Boethius' Consolation of Philosophy. His lucid analysis encompasses a feast of medieval sagas and romances, ranging from Iceland to Italy, including vernacular works by Marguerite Porete in France and Mechthild in Germany. A number of the medieval Latin texts presented have remained virtually unknown, but emerge here as narratives with unusual and at times brilliant literary qualities. To enable not only specialists but all who love literature to respond to the works discussed, they are quoted in fresh translations, as well as in the originals.

Provides an introduction to the medieval lyric during the period 850-1300, which includes a preface and substantial bibliographical indications. This work analyses one of the major lyrical genres and centres on critical discussion of lyrics, with generous quotation of texts and translations.

Peter Dronke explores Dante's great poem 'The Divine Comedy', by explaining allegory, vision, image, metaphor, symbol and myth, which were prevalent in medieval Latin traditions. He focuses on certain moments in Inferno, Purgatorio and Paradiso then relates them into Dante's rich and varied Latin inheritance, which brings the poetry to life for the reader.

This volume presents a series of analyses of particular poems and problems of literary history, illustrating the many sides of medieval poetry and the interactions of learned, popular and courtly traditions.

This title presents a picture of the contributions made by women writers to western literature from the 3rd century to the 13th. The emphasis throughout is on personal testimonies, and on texts that have notable literary or intellectual interest.