The complete works of John Gower, volume 1 : $b The French works

"The Complete Works of John Gower, Volume 1: The French Works" by John Gower is a treasure trove of writings from the end of the 1300s. It brings together Gower's work in French, most importantly the "Mirour de l'Omme," which looks closely a right and wrong, and what was happening in society at that time. Built for literature experts and anyone interested in the Middle Ages, this collection gives a full picture of how Gower had an impact on the way English was used and written. Before the main text, G.C. Macaulay explains why Gower’s French writings are just as important as his English ones. He points out the true importance of the "Mirour de l’Omme," a guide to morals that's split into ten sections and talks about human flaws, good qualities, and why we need to make peace with God. The introduction of the book explains how Gower's thinking was organized and shows how his works in different languages connect, suggesting that underlying all of his writing is a complete philosophy that argues against societal norms and searches the moral state of humans. This background sets the stage for exploring what Gower contributed to literature throughout the rest of the book.