An introduction to Middle English literature that aims not so much to teach the reader how to understand it, nor provide a history of the literature or survey of its works, but to enthuse the reader and show why they might want to read more. Chapters look at writers and audiences, at the major genres and how these differ from their modern counterparts, at how meaning is conveyed in Middle English literature, particularly through the use of allegory, and finally at the reception of medieval works down to the modern age. The second edition has been revised and rewritten with an up to date bibliography. The bargain version is the old edition