John Gower
English poet, contemporary of Langland, friend of Chaucer.
via Wikipedia: Gawain Poet · see source
John Gower (c.
- field
- Poetry
- nationality
- English
- known_for
- Three major trilingual works: Mirour de l'Omme, Vox Clamantis, Confessio Amantis
Lore & Background
Few details are known of Gower's early life. He was probably born into a family which held properties in Kent and Suffolk. Much of this is based on circumstantial rather than documentary evidence. Gower's friendship with Chaucer is well documented.
Reader's Guide
Gower's verse is by turns religious, political, historical, and moral—though he has been narrowly defined as 'moral Gower' ever since Chaucer graced him with the epithet. His primary mode is allegory, although he shies away from sustained abstractions in favour of the plain style of the raconteur.
Did You Know?
- Gower's three major works were written in three different languages: French, Latin, and English.
- He once met King Richard II on the Thames, which led to a commission for the Confessio Amantis.
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