Verse in English from Spenser to Swift. Issue 10 (9th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Carpenter, Andrew
• Other Names: McAreavey Naomi guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Literature compass. Volume 15:Issue 10(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-10-09
• Subjects: English literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; American literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Literature -- History and criticism -- Periodicals; Littérature -- Périodiques; Arts and Humanities -- Literature; Electronic reference sources; 805
• DOI: 10.1111/lic3.12498
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1741-4113

Abstract

Abstract: Ireland was in turmoil for much of the 17th century as, slowly and painfully, English language and culture gained supremacy over the language and culture of the native Irish. The verse and poetry we have in English from this period was the work of planters, administrators and the Old English, and, on occasions, of Irish speakers seeking to influence the rulers of the country. During recent years, much exciting new work has been undertaken on the verse of the period as research on manuscripts and early printed books has led to a substantial increase in the canon. We now know of over 100 poets active in Ireland between the time of Edmund Spenser and that of Jonathan Swift. In addition, scholars have begun exploring the links between the culture of 17th‐century Ireland and that of Scotland, Wales, and England. This article surveys the work that has been accomplished on the verse and poetry of the period and indicates several areas where further research is needed.