Harley 2253 (London, British Library MS Harley 2253) in a diverse, fascinating collection of medieval literature, including many love lyrics. The “Ludlow scribe” copied most of this collection in England about 1331 to 1341. An earlier part (the first 48 folios of the manuscript) was copied several decades earlier. Through the magnificent work of Susanna Greer Fein, ed., with David Raybin and Jan Ziolkowski, the full manuscript is available online with an edited text and English translation. The Complete Harley 2253 Manuscript: Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Vol. 3.
The Middle English poem “A wayle whyt ase whalles bon {A beauty white as whale’s bone}” (Harley lyrics) is a lively minstrel song of men’s sexual longing. … Read the post men’s unruly sexual imagination: a beauty white as whale’s bone
The medieval Latin poem Musa iocosa challenged pedestalizing women by suggesting that a beautiful woman isn’t an angel and could have foot odor. … Read the post musa iocosa: vital medieval poetic medicine for pedestalizing women
The Poet’s Repentance, a poem preserved among the Harley Lyrics, shows great verbal sophistication in the dangerous practice of men’s sexed protest. … Read the post The Poet’s Repentance, updated: apology for man’s wrongs to women
The classical Arabic story of al-Farazdaq and the medieval fabliau Le Chevalier Qui Fesoit Les Cons Parler intricately address nude, bathing maidens. … Read the post nude, bathing maidens: classical Arabic poetry and fabliau
The medieval poems Gilote e Johane and Satire on the Consistory Courts contrast regulation of women’s and men’s sexuality in the Middle Ages. … Read the post sophistic Gilote explains medieval satire of family courts