Books in the Studies in Medieval Culture series

Throughout the career of Ambrose Raftis two themes or convictions have been in evidence: a belief in the fundamental individuality of medieval English men and women and a belief in their ability to make choices.

The topics addressed in these ten essays also provide grounds of another kind to assess the foci of contemporary Gower studies. As well as place, the political element in Gower's writings has been subject to fruitful recent scrutiny; and again, there are important linkages and overlaps among these essays on such matter too.

From Shakespeare's manipulation of his medieval source material to Protestant responses to medieval Catholicism, essays explore the ways that early modern writers responded to the medieval English literary and historical record, dealing with topics such as historiographic bias, print history, intertextuality and cultural history.

A university exists to make known what can only be revealed by consistent, dedicated effort. Ultimately, a university exists in order to understand the things that are hidden from ordinary, casual view. This is a message that is subtly reinforced by all of the articles in this volume.

This volume contains collected papers on medieval England's names and naming patterns--mostly forenames or Christian names, but with some attention to family names.