This introduction provides the guidance that modern readers need to come to an informed appreciation of the writings of medieval England.

• An introduction to English literature written in the four centuries following the Norman Conquest.
  
• Written by the well-known medievalist, Thorlac Turville-Petre.
  
• Demonstrates that Middle English literature is more accessible than is often supposed.
  
• Provides readers with the guidance they need to come to an informed appreciation of the writings of medieval England.
  
• Designed to be used alongside A Book of Middle English, (Third Edition, Blackwell Publishing, 2005).

Thorlac Turville-Petre is Professor of Medieval English Literature at the University of Nottingham. His previous publications include England the Nation (1996) and (with J. A. Burrow) A Book of Middle English (Third Edition, Blackwell, 2005).