Book Review: The Dark Ages by W.P. Ker
One of the first things Professor William Paton Ker (1855-1922) discusses in this book is that the term “Dark Ages” is misleading and rather nebulous in timing. That established, he sticks with it for a handy title for this survey of European literature from roughly 500-1100 A.D. This was originally published in 1907, and my copy was a 1958 reprint.
After a discussion of the sources the authors of the early medieval period used for their literary material (the Bible, mythology, recent history), there are three main sections. It’s divided up by authors working in Latin, the Teutonic languages (such as Old English), and everyone else. Notably, there’s not much on the Romance languages, as their explosive literary development in the 12th Century is the dividing point that Professor Ker ends just before.
This is definitely a “college” book (Professor Ker taught at University College, London for most of his career.) The author assumes that the reader has already had instruction in Latin and Ancient Greek and seldom bothers to translate the copious quotes in that language. He’s more generous with Old English and the other Teutonic languages. There’s copious footnotes, a list of important sources, and suggested further reading, as well as an index.
I found this book rather thick going. I’m widely read, but my formal literary education is somewhat lacking. And I suspect that some of the scholarship is outdated with new discoveries in medieval manuscripts.
But it’s interesting stuff, as Professor Ker discusses how Latin is used by different authors in different countries, the many kinds of poetry (with in depth looks at versicles and rhyme schemes), and which authors are more inventive as opposed to polished in their use of language.
This one should be in the public domain, so check libraries and the usual legal downloading sites. Recommended primarily to literature majors.
Let’s have a bit of Beowulf:
