An anthology of English literature covering the period from the death of Chaucer in 1400 to the early years of Henry VIII's reign (1520). The extracts chosen represent not only the familiar authors such as Malory, Henryson, Skelton and More and well known types of literature - songs and lyrics, ballads and romances - but also texts which have not been previously published or are available only in obscure editions. A number of works, such as The Testament of Cresseid, Mankind and Everyman are given in full. Every item included is also supported by a commentary and glossary. In order to give a sense of the period, the selection is not narrowly literary in its conception for alongside the literary works are private letters, scenes from chronicles, extracts from books on alchemy and medicine, hunting and fishing. There are recipes - for grilled salmon, for stewed partridge and to make hair grow, and tips for prospective pilgrims to the Holy Land.