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George Ashby, "Active Policy of a Prince and Dicta et opiniones diversorum philosophorum"
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George Ashby’s mirror for princes written ca. 1461–1462 for the Lancastrian prince Edward is a unique witness to the political discourse of the Wars of the Roses. This book presents a full edition of The...
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31 October 2026

George Ashby’s Active Policy of a Prince and its addendum Dicta et opiniones diversorum philosophorum, a mirror for princes written ca. 1461–1462 for the Lancastrian prince Edward, is a unique witness to the political discourse of the Wars of the Roses. As a clerk of the Signet Office, Ashby had intimate knowledge of both the inner workings of politics at the Lancastrian court as well as its key players. The Active Policy of a Prince is a largely original work of political advice written in Middle English, while the Dicta et opiniones diversorum philosophorum is a macaronic text, combining prose passages taken mostly from the Latin wisdom text Liber philosophorum moralium antiquorum, followed by Ashby’s verse translations in Middle English. This book presents a full edition of The Active Policy and Dicta with extensive glosses, notes and translations of the Latin passages.
Price: £22.50
Pages: 176
Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications
Imprint: Medieval Institute Publications
Series: TEAMS Middle English Texts Series
Publication Date:
31 October 2026
ISBN: 9781580447256
Format: Paperback
BISACs:
LITERARY CRITICISM / Medieval, Ancient, classical and medieval texts, Literary studies: ancient, classical and medieval, European history: medieval period, middle ages, Specific wars and military campaigns
Aline Douma is lecturer in Middle English literature at the University of Groningen.
Introduction
Historical background
Signet Office and short biography of Ashby
Sources and analogues
Themes and content
Manuscript
Editorial principles
Historical background
Signet Office and short biography of Ashby
Sources and analogues
Themes and content
Manuscript
Editorial principles