Hugh Primas and the Archpoet

Renowned poet Fleur Adcock here provides modern verse translations of the complete work of two of the most exciting poets of the twelfth century, Hugh Primas of Orleans and the so-called Archpoet, beside their Latin originals. Included are witty epigrams, treatments of classical themes, poems on religious and ecclesiastical topics, depictions of low life, begging-poems, and the Archpoet’s famous Confession. The work is characterised by its liveliness and its touches of satire and coarse realism, features which Fleur Adcock captures superbly in her modern renderings. There are textual notes, explanatory notes, a historical note, and an introduction. This unique resource will appeal not only to medievalists but to all lovers of poetry.

• New work by renowned modern poet Fleur Adcock • The complete poems of two of the liveliest medieval writers • Latin and English texts for comparison, with helpful notes

Introduction; Hugh Primas and the Archpoet: some historical (and unhistorical) testimonies Peter Dronke; Poems by Hugh Primas; Poems by The Archpoet; Textual and explanatory notes.