"[T]his stimulating book...aim[s] to rebuild the study of Middle English lyric from the ground up. The thirteen chapters proceed from foundation to rooftop...The book is a passionate invitation to plunge into Middle English lyric. It raises countless questions. It is certain to spur continuing, vigorous cultivation of its field."

Modern Philology

"What Kind of Thing Is a Middle English Lyric? asks scholars and poets to rethink not only the Middle English lyric (especially between the late twelfth and late fourteenth centuries) from the ground up, but the generic and historiographic contours of Medieval Studies, lyric studies, and poetry altogether...In addition to serving as a worthy reference source for the Middle English lyric, indexed as it is, the book’s stronger impulse of troubling the lyric forces deeper, more flexible engagements with poetry in theory and practice, past and present...Altogether, this company of scholars and artists exemplifies collaboration at its finest."

Early Middle English

"This outstanding collection of essays boldly reconceptualizes Middle English lyric, brilliantly illuminating its formal intricacies, historical contexts, and power. Among other subjects, the essays explore lyric multilingualism, wonder, sonic richness, material inscription, narrativity, dialogism, performativity, figuration, and intersubjectivity. Destined to hold a distinguished place in studies of poetry and poetics, this book deserves to be widely read and relished by anyone interested in new angles of approach to poetry."

Jahan Ramazani, author of Poetry in a Global Age