The medieval period saw an explosion in written literature that not only reflects the political, social, and religious concerns of the time, but also laid the foundations for the modern literary canon.
From the epic poem “Beowulf” to the allegorical masterpiece “The Divine Comedy,” medieval literature continues to fascinate and inspire readers today.
These works showcase the diversity and richness of medieval thought, from the chivalric romance of King Arthur’s court to the spiritual musings of mystics like Julian of Norwich.
In this article, we explore the fascinating world of medieval literature and highlight 10 must-read books that will transport you back in time and ignite your imagination.
This collection of 24 stories written in Middle English by the 14th-century English poet is considered a masterpiece of medieval literature. Each story is told by a different pilgrim traveling to Canterbury, offering a glimpse into medieval society.
This collection of 100 tales told by a group of young men and women fleeing the Black Death in Florence in the 14th century is another landmark of medieval literature. The tales range from humorous to tragic, and offer a vivid portrait of medieval Italian life.
This epic poem, written in the early 14th century, follows the author’s journey through Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven, guided by the spirit of the Roman poet Virgil. It is widely considered one of the greatest works of world literature.
This collection of tales about King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, written in the late 15th century, is one of the most important works of Arthurian legend. It includes stories of Merlin, Lancelot, Guinevere, and the search for the Holy Grail.
This Old English epic poem, written in the 8th century, tells the story of a hero who battles monsters and dragons to defend his people. It is one of the oldest surviving works of English literature and a cornerstone of Anglo-Saxon culture.
This French epic poem, written in the late 11th century, tells the story of the heroic deeds of the knight Roland and his companions as they fight against the Saracens in Spain. It is one of the oldest and most famous works of medieval French literature.
This autobiographical work, written in the early 15th century by an English mystic, tells the story of her spiritual journey and mystical experiences. It is considered one of the first works of English literature written by a woman.
This philosophical work, written in the 6th century by a Roman senator imprisoned by the Ostrogothic king Theodoric, explores the nature of happiness, fate, and free will. It was hugely influential in medieval and Renaissance thought.
This 12th-century Latin work is a fictionalized history of Britain from its legendary founding by Brutus to the Anglo-Saxon conquest. It includes many of the most famous stories of British mythology, such as the tale of King Arthur and Merlin.
This work, written in the late 14th century by an Italian-French writer, is a feminist response to the misogyny of medieval society. It tells the story of a woman named Christine who, with the help of famous women from history and mythology, builds a city where women can live free from oppression.
