Reynard the Fox

Name: Reynard the Fox
Author: John Masefield

By John Masefield

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British Literature Poetry

About This Book

A long narrative poem follows a cunning fox as he moves through a vivid hunting landscape and an animal court, using wit and deception to escape pursuit and manipulate rivals. Lyrical passages evoke horns, hounds, horses and the communal spectacle of the hunt, while episodic scenes stage chases, trials and comic intrigues among anthropomorphic creatures. Satire runs through the narrative, probing legalism, social pretension and the uneasy moral position of a survivor who is at once offender, trickster and necessary figure within seasonal ritual. The work mixes vigorous rhythmic storytelling with descriptive celebration of field sport and ambiguous moral tone.

About the Author

John Masefield

John Masefield was an English poet, novelist, and playwright, known for his vivid storytelling and lyrical style. Born in 1878, he gained prominence in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to English literature. Masefield's works often explore themes of adventure, the sea, and human experience. His notable works include the narrative poem "A Ballad of John Silver," which draws inspiration from Robert Louis Stevenson's "Treasure Island," and the poignant war poem "Gallipoli," reflecting on the horrors of conflict. Masefield served as Poet Laureate of the United Kingdom from 1930 until his death in 1967, leaving a lasting legacy in the literary world.