John Burrow (literary scholar)

John Burrow (1932-2017) was a highly influential British literary scholar, known particularly for his work on medieval English literature and the development of style in literary writing. His approach combined rigorous philological analysis with insightful interpretations of social and historical contexts.

Burrow's academic career was primarily based at the University of Oxford, where he served as a Fellow of Jesus College and later as a Professor of English Literature.

His major publications include:

• Ricardian Poetry: Chaucer, Gower, Langland and the Gawain Poet (1971) - A seminal work exploring the interconnectedness and unique qualities of late fourteenth-century English poetry.
• Medieval Writers and Their Work: Middle English Literature and its Background, 1100-1500 (1982) - A comprehensive and accessible survey of Middle English literature, providing a valuable resource for students and scholars alike.
• Essays on Medieval Literature (1984) - A collection of essays showcasing Burrow's critical insights on a range of medieval texts and themes.
• The Ages of Man: A Study in Medieval Writing and Thought (1986) - An exploration of the medieval concept of the "ages of man" and its influence on literary and intellectual culture.
• A Book of Middle English (1992, revised 2005, co-authored with Thorlac Turville-Petre) - A widely used anthology of Middle English texts, featuring helpful introductions and glossaries.
• Gestures and Looks in Medieval Narrative (2002) - An investigation into the significance of non-verbal communication in medieval literature.

Burrow's scholarship was characterized by its clarity, precision, and depth of understanding. He made significant contributions to the study of Middle English language and literature, and his work continues to be highly regarded and influential in the field. He was also known for his engaging teaching style and his dedication to fostering the intellectual development of his students.