The Dedalus Book of Medieval Literature: The Grin of the Gargoyle by Brian Murdoch


The Dedalus Book of Medieval Literature: The Grin of the Gargoyle
Title : The Dedalus Book of Medieval Literature: The Grin of the Gargoyle
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 187398202X
ISBN-10 : 9781873982020
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 259
Publication : First published September 1, 1996

Brian Murdoch provides an alternative view of the Middle Ages, showing the anarchy and decadence which lurked below the surface of a devout and conformist society. The grinning gargoyle, which mocked the solemnity of Gothic cathedrals, symbolises the violence, depravity and irreverence inherent in man which could not be suppressed by the church.

The Dedalus Book of Medieval Literature: The Grin of the Gargoyle Reviews

  • Shawn

    Despite what the cover says, the introduction makes it obvious that this is intended to be seen as part of Dedalus' Decadence series. Much like the ROMAN DECADENCE volume, it covers a wide range of subjects that fall under the "decadence" umbrella, producing more of a patchwork feel. And much like the ROMAN DECADENCE book, I found this one a little underwhelming. Maybe it's because Medieval History isn't one of my interests.

    There's lots of silly "blasphemy" stuff, some short excerpts of royalty and rich people being awful to each other and the peasants. The long, German cautionary tale of "Helmbrecht" is kinda fun, as Helmbrecht leaves the life of a simple farmer to become a criminal and gets what's coming to him.

    But unless you like the time period, you could chalk it up as a miss.