The Affectionate Shepherd, Part 1594


Book Description

This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!













The Affectionate Shepherd


Book Description

Richard Barnfield (1574-1620) was an English poet who matriculated at Brasenose College, Oxford in 1589 and took his degree in 1592. In 1594, in his twenty-first year, Barnfield published anonymously his first work, The Affectionate Shepherd, dedicated with familiar devotion to Penelope, Lady Rich. Although the poem was successful, it did not pass without censure from the moral point of view. Two months later, in 1595, Barnfield published his second volume, Cynthia, With Certain Sonnets and the Legend of Cassandra. In 1598 he published his third volume, The Encomion of Lady Pecunia, a poem in praise of money, followed by a sort of continuation, in the same six-line stanza, called The Complaint of Poetry for the Death of Liberality. In 1599 The Passionate Pilgrim was published, with the words "By W. Shakespeare" on the title-page. Barnfield's Lady Pecunia and The Complaint of Poetry were used as sample texts by the early 17th-century phonetician Robert Robinson for his invented phonetic script.










The Affectionate Shepherd


Book Description

Despite various influential writers' and critics' high praise of the poetry of Richard Barnfield (1574-1620/26?), his work has long been marginalized in English literary history because of its pervasive homoeroticism. Current interest in literary representations of gender and sexuality, in dissent from dominant ideologies, and in the early modern possibilities of same-sexual subjectivities, accounts for the renewed interest in Barnfield's poetry. This new collection of essays seeks to provide a forum for his evaluation and reinterpretation in accord with his topicality for literary studies today.




History of English Literature


Book Description




History of English Literature from "Beowulf" to Swinburne


Book Description

In 'History of English Literature from 'Beowulf' to Swinburne,' Andrew Lang provides a comprehensive overview of the development of English literature from its early medieval roots to the late Victorian era. Lang's meticulous research and engaging writing style make this book a valuable resource for students and scholars alike, offering in-depth analysis of key literary works and the cultural contexts in which they were produced. By examining the evolution of English literature over centuries, Lang highlights the diverse influences and trends that have shaped its rich tradition. Andrew Lang, a prominent literary critic and folklorist, brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to his exploration of English literature. His keen understanding of the historical and cultural factors that influenced the works of various authors adds depth to his analysis. Lang's passion for literature and dedication to scholarship shine through in this seminal work. I highly recommend 'History of English Literature from 'Beowulf' to Swinburne' to anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the evolution of English literature. Lang's insightful commentary and thorough research make this book an essential read for students, academics, and enthusiasts of literary history.