Cornish Literature

BRIAN MURDOCH is Emeritus Professor of German at Stirling University, Scotland. He is the author of many books, including titles for both Camden House and D.S. Brewer.

This book was needed. It gives a clear, accurate and up-to-date account of a subject which has never before had the treatment it deserves. Murdoch's study at once becomes thebook on Cornish literature, essential for anyone concerned with Cornwall's past, but also breaking new ground for students of medieval drama, popular religion, and apocryphal literature.MEDIUM AEVUMThe chief strength of his book is t... [check orig.] plays, placing them alongside medieval English drama as well as the larger European manifestation of religious drama and the complex question of all their biblical and quasi-biblical sources. There is a useful bibliography, offering a sorely needed guide to a mass of local Cornish editions and publications. Modestly priced, Brian Murdoch's scholarly and attractive guide shoud appeal to many beyond medievalist circles; it will not be superseded for a long time. TIMES LITERARY SUPPLEMENTAn important book... a good half is devoted to the central texts of the `ancient Cornish drama', of which they provide the most illuminating presentation to date. YEAR'S WORK IN MODERN LANGUAGE STUDIES 55 (`93) A most valuable introduction.

• Conventions of reference; writing in Cornish - fragments and losses; "An Antient Manuscript . . ." the poem of the Passion; seeing and believing - the "Ordinalia"; the need to repent - "The Creacion of the World"; Church, State and salvation - the play of Saint Meriasek; "Nebbaz gerriau . . ." survivals and revivals.