The complete works of John Gower, volume 1 : The French works

This volume presents a carefully edited collection of the French poems composed by a prominent 14th‑century English poet. Drawing on the finest Oxford manuscripts, the editor supplies a reliable text that reflects the author’s original spelling and punctuation, while subtle typographical corrections are noted in the front matter. Readers also benefit from extensive introductions that explain the historical context and the reasons behind the edition’s creation, as well as detailed notes that clarify obscure references and linguistic features.

A comprehensive glossary accompanies the verses, making the Middle French accessible to modern scholars and students of medieval literature. The work is positioned as a companion to the poet’s English writings, highlighting the interplay between the Romance and English traditions that shaped the literary landscape of the period. Whether you are exploring the evolution of early English poetry or the broader medieval cultural exchange, this edition offers a solid foundation for further study.