Ayenbite of Inwyt, Vol. II, Introduction, Notes and Glossary

Unlock medieval conscience through this scholarly companion to a Kentish masterpiece.

Pamela Gradon’s Volume II offers an authoritative guide to The Ayenbite of Inwyt (“Remorse of Conscience”), a 14th-century prose treatise written in Kentish dialect. Designed for scholars, students, and medieval literature enthusiasts, this volume provides a freshly edited introduction, extensive explanatory notes, and a comprehensive glossary that illuminate every linguistic nuance and thematic layer.

Through meticulous analysis, Gradon deciphers archaic spellings, contextualizes theological and moral concepts of the Middle Ages, and makes accessible texts previously hidden beneath the weight of centuries. The glossary demystifies Middle English vocabulary, while the introduction situates the work in its historical, liturgical, and literary contexts.

Essential for readers seeking to engage deeply with Middle English doctrine and devotional literature, this volume transforms the Ayenbite from a curiosity into a vibrant testament to medieval spirituality and linguistic tradition.