Fifteenth Century Prose and Verse

This volume brings together a lively assortment of fifteenth‑century English writing, ranging from the poetry of Lydgate and Hoccleve to the legendary Robin Hood ballads, festive Christmas carols, and a compact miracle play. Alongside these lyrical pieces are prose excerpts such as William Caxton’s prologues and epilogues, short moralities, and even a courtroom deposition that sheds light on early modern theatrical business. All the texts have been rendered in a consistent modern spelling, allowing listeners to hear the original rhythms without being tripped up by medieval orthography.

The editor’s introduction frames the collection with thoughtful commentary on the period’s translation activity and the circulation of early English Bibles, offering a glimpse into the cultural currents that shaped the literature. Careful scholarly notes explain textual choices and highlight connections between the works, making the anthology both an engaging listening experience and a useful guide to the era’s literary landscape.