British literature

British literature is literature from the United Kingdom, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands. The largest part of this literature is written in the English language, but there are also separate literatures in the Welsh language, Scottish Gaelic, Scots and other languages. Northern Ireland is the only part of Ireland still part of the United Kingdom and it possesses literature in English, Ulster Scots and Irish. Irish writers have also played an important part in the development of English-language literature.

Late medieval literature in England

Latin literature circulated among the educated classes.

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Following the Norman conquest, the development of Anglo-Norman literature in the Anglo-Norman realm introduced literary trends from Continental Europe such as the chanson de geste.

Related Topics:
Norman conquest - Anglo-Norman literature - Continental Europe - Chanson de geste

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In the later medieval period a new form of English now known as Middle English evolved. This is the earliest form which is comprehensible to modern readers and listeners, albeit not easily.

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The most significant Middle English author was the poet Geoffrey Chaucer who was active in the late 14th Century. His main works were The Canterbury Tales and Troilus and Criseyde.

Related Topics:
Geoffrey Chaucer - The Canterbury Tales - Troilus and Criseyde

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The multilingual audience for literature in the 14th century can be illustrated by the example of John Gower, who wrote in Latin, Middle English and Anglo-Norman.

Related Topics:
John Gower - Anglo-Norman

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Religious literature, such as hagiographies enjoyed popularity.

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Women writers such as Marie de France and Julian of Norwich were also active.

Related Topics:
Marie de France - Julian of Norwich

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• Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
• Morte d'Arthur by Sir Thomas Malory