An edition (with a commentary, full glossary, and an introduction to the language of the text) of the Middle English life of St. Etheldreda in MS B.M Faustina B 111

Abstract

This edition of the Middle English verse legend of St. Etheldreda comprises the following items :1) a list of abbreviations, 2) a Bibliography, 3) an Introduction, comprising; a.) a description of the B.M MS Faustina B 111, in general terms, together with a more detailed consideration of that section containing the Life of St. Etheldreda, in which account is taken of binding, foliation, scribal practice, and any points of interest, or peculiarities, b) a discussion of the possible sources for this version of the saint's life, in which it is concluded that the Middle English legend is not directly derived from Bede, or the Latin Vita, but should probably be referred to a lost, intermediate version. c) a brief consideration of the metrical and literary points of interest in the legend, d) A discussion of the language of the poem, falling into two main sections; - Spellings, where the material is set out, and Discussion, where the forms of the text are considered, in relation to the rhymes, and it is suggested that the legend may be of South-western provenance, with Midland features, introduced by a scribe, 4) the text of St. Etheldreda, preceded by a short explanation of editorial procedure, a Commentary, which points out, details of literary, historical and grammatical interest in the text, and remarks, where appropriate, on emendations, 6.) an appendix, where differences between the text, as presented here, and that of Horstmann, are noted, 7) a. Glossary, giving meanings and etymologies to most of the words in the text, 8) a list, with, line-references, of proper names.