The Oxford Guide to Middle High German is the most comprehensive self-contained treatment of Middle High German available in English. It covers the language, literature, history, and culture of German in the period 1050–1350 and is designed for entry-level readers, advanced study, teaching, and reference. The book includes a large sample of texts, not only from Classical works such as Erec, the Nibelungenlied, Parzival, and Tristan, but also from mystical writing, chronicles, and legal documents; the selection represents all major dialects and the full time span of the period. Chapter 1 (‘Intr ... More

The Oxford Guide to Middle High German is the most comprehensive self-contained treatment of Middle High German available in English. It covers the language, literature, history, and culture of German in the period 1050–1350 and is designed for entry-level readers, advanced study, teaching, and reference. The book includes a large sample of texts, not only from Classical works such as Erec, the Nibelungenlied, Parzival, and Tristan, but also from mystical writing, chronicles, and legal documents; the selection represents all major dialects and the full time span of the period. Chapter 1 (‘Introduction’) defines Middle High German linguistically, geographically, and chronologically. In Chapter 2 (‘Grammar and Lexis’) each section begins with a summary of the main points; together, these form a stand-alone introductory grammar, and they are followed by detailed paragraphs for in-depth study and reference. Chapter 3 (‘Versification’) deals with metre, rhyme, lines of verse in context, and verse forms, and includes practical tips for scansion. Chapter 4 (‘Historical, Cultural, and Literary Background’) offers an account of the political and social structures of medieval Germany and a survey of the principal types of texts that originated in the period. Chapter 5 (‘Selection of Annotated Texts’) comprises over forty texts, each placed in context and provided with explanatory footnotes; the first two texts, to be taken together with the introductory grammar, are aimed at newcomers. A glossary provides full coverage of the vocabulary appearing in the texts and throughout the book.