Modern Scholar: Masterpieces of Medieval Literature

Masterpieces of Medieval Literature is a Modern Scholar course by Professor Timothy Shutt.  The professor details the great literary works of the Middle Ages.

He first covers the works of the Germanic north, stories of bleak conflict and unflinching steadfastness and dedication to one's fate.  Then he discusses Anglo-Saxon literature and Beowulf.  Beowulf is one of the great historic epics and he gives it a great treatment.

Then he goes over the works of the high Middle Ages, including Celtic works and the history of the Arthur legend.  There's a lot of good stuff here, including chivalry and the Holy Grail.  He discusses in detail the story Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.  It's a story rich in symbolism and imagery.

I enjoyed listening to the different stories of the Middle Ages.  There was a good overview of the influence of the works.  One regret is that he barely touched on Chaucer and Dante.  But it did leave me wanting to read the works of Chaucer.  This course was a good experience.  A-

http://www.recordedbooks.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=scholar.show_course&course_id=73