The Mythological Sciences of John Gower, Medieval Classicists, and Morgan MS M. 126
Amanda J. Gerber
The scientific emphases of the Confessio Amantis's Book VII and New York, Pierpont Morgan Library, MS M.126 have often been treated as anomalies in an otherwise ethical poem its manuscripts' relatively commercial production illustrations. However, medieval reading aids for classical literature that inspired much Gower's demonstrate similar penchants integrating such readings into narratives while teaching readers fundamentals composition. Thus, this article argues what seem like digressions actually constitute a foundational component writing instruction: instruction inculcated students perception encyclopedic knowledge poetic composition collaborative representations worldly experience. In regard, three examples history supplied by classicists, Gower, creators M. 126 fluid understanding how arts sciences lent themselves tools terrestrial navigation. With these layers reader reception, expounds on audiences developed comprehensive approach to verbal natural philosophy, predicated belief all earthly events, including phenomena, rely render them intelligible significant.
Studies in the Age of Chaucer