Introduction: My purpose in asking this question is to examine the contexts in which the term “Anglo-Norman” is used or may be appropriate, and particularly to consider is application to language, literature, and manuscripts. Â This discussion will show that there are areas in which it is not yet desirable to define the term narrowly. Â But a working definition will allow us to consider the character of the literature called Anglo-Norman and the scope of the studies that can be devoted to this area. Â This is not the place for an exhaustive account of Anglo-Norman studies, nor shall I attempt a comprehensive survery of Anglo-Norman literature. I wish rather to stress the problems that need to be worked on in order to improve our understanding of the culture that we can call Anglo-Norman. Â A language, a literature, an architecture, a form of law and government developed after the Conquest, flourished for nearly three centuries, and then dwindled away before the renascence of the native character. Â yet all those elements are part of English culture and the literature forms an important part of French culture as well.
By Ruth J. Dean
Annuale Medievale 6 (1965)
Introduction: My purpose in asking this question is to examine the contexts in which the term “Anglo-Norman” is used or may be appropriate, and particularly to consider is application to language, literature, and manuscripts. Â This discussion will show that there are areas in which it is not yet desirable to define the term narrowly. Â But a working definition will allow us to consider the character of the literature called Anglo-Norman and the scope of the studies that can be devoted to this area. Â This is not the place for an exhaustive account of Anglo-Norman studies, nor shall I attempt a comprehensive survery of Anglo-Norman literature. I wish rather to stress the problems that need to be worked on in order to improve our understanding of the culture that we can call Anglo-Norman. Â A language, a literature, an architecture, a form of law and government developed after the Conquest, flourished for nearly three centuries, and then dwindled away before the renascence of the native character. Â yet all those elements are part of English culture and the literature forms an important part of French culture as well.
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