The complete works of John Gower, volume 2 : The English works

This edition brings the medieval poet’s English masterpiece to life, offering a clear, faithfully restored text of the Confessio Amantis as it appears in the Fairfax manuscript. The careful transcription smooths obvious typographical slips while preserving the original spelling and rhythm that give the work its historic charm. Accompanying introductions, detailed notes, and a comprehensive glossary help listeners grasp the language and cultural references of 14th‑century England.

Beyond the scholarly apparatus, the listening experience follows the poet’s confession of love, where an earnest amant (lover) seeks counsel from the personified queen of wisdom. Through a series of illustrative tales drawn from classical myth, biblical story, and contemporary life, he explores the virtues and vices that shape human desire. The editor’s careful annotations illuminate these moral threads without spoiling the unfolding lessons, inviting listeners to reflect on timeless questions of honor, fidelity, and the pursuit of true love.