Medieval literature developed in Europe from medieval folklore between c. 476 and c. 1500. The works ranged from poetry to drama, romance, prose, philosophical dialogues, and histories. Literary works were at first composed in Latin but, increasingly, in the vernacular after the 7th century. Today, many of these works are considered masterpieces of Western Literature.
This collection presents a brief overview of the greatest writers of the medieval period, though many are omitted in the interests of space. Margery Kempe and Julian of Norwich, for example, have not been included nor the musical genius Hildegard of Bingen, though all three are notable figures, as are many others only touched on in the following articles which include reference to famous works such as Beowulf and the Book of Kells, also omitted from the collection.
