Abstract
This study explores the implications of three overlooked asterisks penciled into the margins of the Exeter Book of Old English Poetry by the antiquarian-scholar George Hickes in the eighteenth century. Comparing Hickes's editorial treatment of the punctuation of the so-called Maxims poems in his print Thesaurus with the punctuation of their medieval manuscript contexts, I argue, demonstrates his enduring influence on the Maxims and their generic categorization as poetry, touching on recent debates over lyric. The essay analyzes the punctuation of the Maxims poems as a test case for scholars interested in the Old English gnomic corpus, and thus offers a prolegomenon for future editors.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have