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Layamon's Brut is a 12th-century Middle English poem that recounts the history of Britain from legendary times to the conquest by the Normans. The work is written in alliterative verse, a style characteristic of Old English poetry, but also embraces elements of French romance. Layamon's Brut is a unique blend of different literary traditions, making it a significant piece in the evolution of English literature. The poem is not only a historical account but also serves as a commentary on political and social issues of the time. Layamon, also known as Lawman, was a priest in England who felt…mehr

Produktbeschreibung
Layamon's Brut is a 12th-century Middle English poem that recounts the history of Britain from legendary times to the conquest by the Normans. The work is written in alliterative verse, a style characteristic of Old English poetry, but also embraces elements of French romance. Layamon's Brut is a unique blend of different literary traditions, making it a significant piece in the evolution of English literature. The poem is not only a historical account but also serves as a commentary on political and social issues of the time. Layamon, also known as Lawman, was a priest in England who felt compelled to create his own English version of the popular French romance of King Arthur. His work reflects the growing interest in English national identity and the desire to preserve traditional legends in the face of foreign influence. Layamon's dedication to the preservation of English culture is evident in his meticulous retelling of British history. I highly recommend Layamon's Brut to readers interested in the origins of English literature and the development of national identity. Layamon's work provides valuable insights into the cultural and political landscape of medieval England, making it essential reading for those studying the evolution of English literature.
Autorenporträt
Layamon, a notable figure in early English literature, was a priest and poet active at the turn of the 13th century, whose work crucially bridges the gap between Old English and Middle English literary traditions. Virtually all that is known of Layamon's life comes from his seminal work, 'Layamon's Brut,' also known as 'The Chronicle of Britain.' This significant poem, written in a transitional form of English that mingles Old English and early Middle English features, retells the legendary history of Britain, stitching folklore, history, and myth. 'Layamon's Brut,' composed in over 16,000 lines of alliterative verse sometime between 1190 and 1225, draws extensively from Wace's 'Roman de Brut,' a work itself heavily influenced by Geoffrey of Monmouth's 'Historia Regum Britanniae.' Layamon expands on Wace's text with additional detail and episodes from Celtic folklore, demonstrating his innovative narrative techniques and his distinctive literary style characterized by a strong sense of rhythm and a rich use of language and imagery. His ambitious attempt to reassert native folklore and his blend of vernacular language are marked as pivotal in the development of English literature. Notwithstanding the obscurity that shadows his life, Layamon's contributions resonate deeply in the historical tapestry of narrative and poetic tradition in England (Allen, 1892; Barron 1992; Matthews, 1991).