Encyclopedia of Mediaeval Literature. - Review - book review

Encyclopedia of Mediaeval Literature. Robert Thomas Lambdin and Laura Cooner Lambdin, editors. Fitzroy Dearborn Publishers. [pound]65.00. 549 pages. ISBN 157958-054-8. This reference work covers 'topics related to medieval literature' which means literary works, writers, historical figures, events and themes in mediaeval history and different types of literature.

The period covered begins in 500 and ends in 1500 and concentrates on British literature. Entries by a team of twenty-three American scholars are arranged alphabetically: they begin with the Breton philosopher, Peter Abelard and end with 'Zanzis' (perhaps Zauzis) to whom Chaucer refers in Troilus and Criseyde. Each entry has a selected bibliography and entries are cross referenced. The entries on 'themes' will be very helpful to the student of British literature, especially those entries devoted to the literature of France, Italy, Ireland. There are even entries for Japanese and Korean Literature for the period covered although one suspects neither influenced writers in the British Isles overly much. This is a good, solid work, especially useful for students needing an introduction to a writer, work or topic.

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