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Quinn, Edward. "Anglo Norman period in English literature." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 17 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=Gfflithem0037>.
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Anglo Norman period in English literature

Definition 
In English literature, the period following the Norman invasion of England in 1066 until the middle of the 14th century. Most of the literature of the period was either in Latin or in the Norman dialect of French. Among important works were Geoffrey of Monmouth's Historia Regum Britanniae (History of the Kings of England, ca. 1135), part legend, part history, an important source of material relating to King Arthur, and the Ancrene Riwle (Rule for Anchoresses, ca. 1200) for young women preparing to enter the cloister.

Another religious genre popular in the period involved the recounting of mystical experiences. Major mystical authors include Richard Rolle (Meditations on the Passion, ca. 1340) and Dame Julian(a) of Norwich (Revelations of Divine Love). Dame Julian(a) recorded the mystical experiences she underwent while suffering from a severe illness.

By the middle of the 14th century, the language we know as Middle English had evolved sufficiently to serve as a vehicle for the first great English poet, Geoffrey Chaucer.

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