Overview

An examination of the rubricated letters in the Morte makes a convincing case for the design being by Malory himself. The red-ink names that decorate the Winchester manuscript of Malory's Morte Darthur are striking; yet until now, no-one has asked why the rubrication exists. This book explores the uniqueness and thematic significance of the physical layout of the Morte in its manuscript context, arguing that the layout suggests, and the correlations between manuscript design and narrative theme confirm, that the striking arrangement is likely to have been the product of authorial design rather than something unusual dreamed up by patron, scribe, reader, or printer. The introduction offers a thorough account of not only the textual tradition of the Morte, but also the ways in which scholarship to date has not done enough with the manuscript contexts of Malory's Arthuriad. The book then goes on to establish the singularity and likely provenance of Winchester's rubrication of names. In the second half of the study the author elucidates the narrative significance of this rubrication pattern, outlining striking connections between manuscript layout and major narrative events, characters, and themes. He suggests that the manuscript mise-en-page underscores Malory's interest in human character and knighthood, creating a memorializing function similar to the many inscribed tombs that dominate the landscape of the Morte's narrative pages. Inshort, Winchester's design creates a memorializing tomb for Arthurian chivalry. K.S. WHETTER is Professor of English at Acadia University, Canada.

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9781843845638

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Provides comprehensive coverage of the vast and contested field of Malory scholarship and criticism. It also offers the most detailed study to date of the Winchester manuscript (British Library, Additional MS 59678) in the context of comparable manuscripts. Deserves credit for expounding many fresh responses to Malory's manuscript and meaning. PARERGON Ambitious, genial, knowledgeable, closely argued, and attractively illustrated. MEDIUM AEVUM [An] original, profoundly researched, at time combative monograph.. Graduate students and seasoned Malorians alike will find this book indispensable. MODERN LANGUAGE REVIEW Whether or not the reader is convinced by [Whetter's] arguments, she will surely be impressed by the research that has gone into the making of this volume. SPECULUM A highly stimulating and interesting read [and] an important contribution to Arthurian and Malorian studies. ARCHIV fdSnSL

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K.S. WHETTER is Professor of English at Acadia University.

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