The Cursor Mundi: Poem, Texts and Contexts by John J. Thompson is an in-depth scholarly exploration of the Cursor Mundi, a substantial Middle English biblical poem from the early fourteenth century. This monograph examines the poem's manuscript tradition, its sources, and the historical context in which it was produced. Thompson meticulously analyzes the surviving manuscripts and traces the poem's evolution, offering insights into the various textual versions and the role played by scribes and compilers in its transmission.

Drawing on a wide range of sources, including Latin, French, and vernacular texts, Thompson situates the Cursor Mundi within the broader tradition of biblical history and religious didactic literature. The book also delves into the poem's structure, its providential view of history, and its intended audience, likely clerical and lay readers seeking Christian instruction.

Thompson's study highlights the Cursor Mundi's enduring popularity throughout the Middle Ages, demonstrating how it was adapted over time to reflect changing religious and cultural values. This monograph is an essential resource for scholars of medieval literature, manuscript studies, and religious history, offering new perspectives on one of medieval England’s most significant biblical adaptations.