Michael J. Alexander (1) (1941–)

A look at the "Medieval Revival" in England between the mid-18th and mid-20th century, Michael Alexander's work was most interesting to me in its earliest chapters. As Medievalism progressed, however, it became increasingly a literary analysis/history that presumes a great deal of familiarity with a certain set of British authors, and my engagement with Alexander's fairly dense prose waned. I feel like there must be more to say about politics, history, education, etc., than Alexander encompassed here—and even when it comes just to literature, surely a greater role for women in the narrative laid out here.

(Also, as an Irishwoman, Alexander's framing of Séamus Heaney as a British poet even though he clearly knows better made me side-eye him intensely. There's also some sloppy phrasing later on which at least made it seem like he was saying the same of the Dublin-born-and-raised Peter Brown.)… (more)

Alexander makes accessible poems that cannot be understood by native speakers of modern English without significant time and effort. Poems that nevertheless form the foundation of poetry in English and provide a window on the Anglo-Saxon world, its history, culture and values. This collection, despite its modest size, shows the range of modes and interests of Anglo-Saxon verse. Fragments such as The Battle of Maldon also make me wonder how much great literature has been lost irretreivably - a sad thought.… (more)