John Skelton and Poetic Authority: Defining the Liberty to Speak (Oxford English Monographs)

John Skelton and Poetic Authority is the first book-length study of Skelton for almost twenty years, and the first to trace the roots of his poetic theory to his practice as a writer and translator. It demonstrates that much of what has been found challenging in his work may be attributed to his attempt to reconcile existing views of the poet's role in society with discoveries about the writing process itself. The result is a highly idiosyncratic poetics that locates the poet's authority decisively within his own person, yet at the same time predicates his 'liberty to speak' upon the existence of an engaged, imaginative audience. Skelton is frequently treated as a maverick, but this book places his theory and practice firmly in the context of later sixteenth as well as fifteenth-century traditions. Focusing on his relations with both past and present readers, it reassess his place in the English literary canon. This is the first book-length study of John Skelton (1460-1529) for almost twenty years, and the first to link his poetic theory with his practice as a writer and translator. Reassessing Skelton's place in the English literary canon, it suggests the need to reconsider the conventional distinction between 'Medieval' and 'Renaissance' poetics. - ;John Skelton and Poetic Authority is the first book-length study of Skelton for almost twenty years, and the first to trace the roots of his poetic theory to his practice as a writer and translator. It demonstrates that much of what has been found chall Titular identity: orator regius, poet laureate, and vates -- Amplifying memory: the Bibliotheca Historica of Diodorus Siculus -- 'A false abstracte cometh from a fals concrete': representation and misrepresentation in The Bowge of court and magnyfycence -- 'Shedis of sentence': imitation and interpretation in Speke Parrot -- Diverting authorities: The glosses to Speke Parrot, a replycacion, and a garlande of laurell -- All in the mind: inspiration, improvisation, and the fantasy in Magnyfycence and A replycacion -- Rewriting the record: Skelton's poshumous reputation This Work Links John Skelton's Poetic Theory With His Practice As A Writer And Translator. In Reassessing Skelton's Place In The English Literary Canon, It Suggests The Need To Reconsider The Conventional Distinction Between 'medieval' And 'renaissance' Poetics. Jane Griffiths. Originally Presented As The Author's Thesis (doctoral--university Of Oxford) Under The Title: The Liberty To Speak: Authority In The Poetry Of John Skelton. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [192]-208) And Index. "John Skelton and Poetic Authority is the first book-length study of Skelton for almost twenty years, and the first to trace the roots of his poetic theory to his practice as a writer and translator. It demonstrates that much of what has been found challenging in his work may be attributed to his attempt to reconcile existing views of the poet's role in society with discoveries about the writing process itself."--Jacket This is the first book-length study of John Skelton (c.1460-1529) for almost twenty years, and the first to link his poetic theory with his practice as a writer and translator. Reassessing Skelton's place in the English literary canon, it suggests the need to reconsider the conventional distinction between "Medieval" and "Renaissance" poetics