A Lost Language & Other Essays on Chaucer

New York: Sheed & Ward. NF/VG+. 1951. 1st Edition. Hardcover. Spine ends and one corner bumped. Erasure to front endpaper. DJ has tiny chips to spine ends and a light pencil mark on back.; Author's stated first copy of the book, inscribed to a colleague. Seven essays on Chaucer's works. Not literary criticism, but a focus on the humanity of Chaucer, the occurrence of religious themes in his work, and our "lost" use of the Middle English language that he employed. Includes a glossary of Middle English terms and their modern equivalents. The author Sister Mary Madeleva (Evaline Wolff) was the President of St. Mary's College in Notre Dame Indiana from 1934 to 1961, a writer of truly beautiful poetry, the author of more than 20 books, and a medievalist theologic scholar concerned with women in church history. In her context she took an active, feminist approach to womens' place in the church and society. Inscribed on front endpaper: "For / our beloved Mary Ethel / this first copy of A Lost Language / with a world of Saint Marys / love / from / Katherine Roger Brennan / and / Sister M. Madeleva / The solemnity of St Joseph / 1951" Written in a single hand, including both names, but quite consistent with the way M. Madeleva inscribed her books. DJ in Broadart mylar. A clean, lovely, Near Fine presentation copy in a VG+ DJ.; 12mo 7" - 7½" tall; 147 pp; Signed by Author .