Nine Verse Sermons by Nicholas Bozon, edited and analyzed by Brian J. Levy, is a scholarly examination of the Anglo-Norman poet and preacher Nicholas Bozon, who flourished in the late 13th and early 14th centuries. This book focuses on Bozon’s nine verse sermons, which are preserved in a single manuscript (MS British Library Additional 46919). These sermons offer valuable insights into medieval moral and religious teachings, emphasizing themes of repentance, humility, and the rejection of worldly wealth, central to Franciscan spirituality.
Levy presents a critical analysis of Bozon’s sermons, which are crafted in a lyrical, rhymed verse form, designed to engage lay audiences through vivid allegory and familiar imagery. The book explores the structure, style, and content of the sermons, highlighting Bozon’s ability to communicate complex theological ideas in an accessible and engaging manner. Additionally, the monograph provides an in-depth study of the manuscript, shedding light on its historical and cultural significance.
This work is an essential resource for scholars of medieval literature, Anglo-Norman studies, and religious history, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most prolific Anglo-Norman writers and his contribution to medieval sermon literature.