Seven original essays on the theory, practice and future of editing Old English verse. Questions of the theory, practice and future of editing Old English verse have become increasingly pressing in the light of new research and technology, and this volume of seven original substantial essays explores a number of important editorial issues. The collection investigates the implications of current concerns in textual editing relating to the presentation of Old English verse, among them materialist criticism and approaches to the culture of thebook in the early middle ages; revisionist readings of the canons and heritage of nineteenth-century philology; and the electronic future of editing Old English. Particular topics addressed include the ethics of editing and its responsibility to both poet and reader; the neglected verses of the Paris Psalter; the editorial problems presented by the mixed form of AElfric's rhythmical prose; and the difficulties of the printed page. The final essay in the volume explores the capabilities of the electronic hypertext to reinvent the whole process of editing and editions. KATHERINE O'BRIEN O'KEEFFE is Professor of English and Fellow of the Medieval Institute, University of Notre Dame; Dr SARAH LARRATT KEEFER teaches in the Department of English at Trent University. Contributors: EDWARD B. IRVING, JR, SARAH LARRATT KEEFER, A.N. DOANE, D.G. SCRAGG, M.J. TOSWELL, PAUL E. SZARMACH, PATRICK W. CONNER

Brings together interrelated essays on aspects of oral production and reception in Western European medieval contexts from modern and post-structuralist perspectives. The contributors discusss the physical, social and semiotic qualities of medieval oralism, exploring a range of issues.