This volume identifies historical metrics as an important discipline within English studies and raises significant questions about the composition and transmission of early English verse. The chronological range of the book covers the Old English to the pre-Renaissance periods, while its theoretical range is multidisciplinary. The keynote introduction by Thomas Cable identifies major current issues within the field. The work concludes with an extensive and up-to-date bibliography which includes linguistics, philological and text-critical work. The distinguished team of contributors includes: Russom, McCully, and Obst (focusing on Old English, with a conspectus by Stockwell); Minkova (on the Ormulum and early Middle English); Borroff, Matonis, and Osberg (Middle English verse); Bunt and Duggan (editing and Middle English metrics); and Duffell and Youmans (the origin and structure of the Chaucerian long line).

This volume identifies historical metrics as an important discipline within English studies and raises significant questions about the composition and transmission of early English verse. The chronological range of the book covers the Old English to the pre-Renaissance periods, while its theoretical range is multidisciplinary. The keynote introduction by Thomas Cable identifies major current issues within the field. The work concludes with an extensive and up-to-date bibliography which includes linguistics, philological and text-critical work. The distinguished team of contributors includes: Russom, McCully, and Obst (focusing on Old English, with a conspectus by Stockwell); Minkova (on the Ormulum and early Middle English); Borroff, Matonis, and Osberg (Middle English verse); Bunt and Duggan (editing and Middle English metrics); and Duffell and Youmans (the origin and structure of the Chaucerian long line).

SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT is one of the most important alliterative poems of Medieval literature Now a major film THE GREEN KNIGHT starring Dev Patel From the north-west midlands, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight dates from the second half of the 14th century. Gawain, a knight in Arthur's court, takes up the challenge of the Green Knight, and cuts off his head. The Knight informs Gawain he will have his revenge. Journeying to the Knight's abode to receive his lot Gawain takes the hospitality of a Lord, and endures the advances of his wife. The Lord is the Green Knight and, when the time comes, merely nicks Gawain's neck for his infidelity and dishonour. Is Gawain a failure, or a hero?