Index of English Epigrams, 1590 to 1640

This database offers an extensive first-line listing of English epigrams, both print and manuscript, from the period 1590 to 1640. The coverage of printed epigrams is nearly complete, with all major collections entered. That of other epigrams is more selective. The material listed here formed the foundation for my monograph, The Epigram in England, 1590-1640. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 2016. Criteria While a sharp definition of “epigram” is lacking, I have used the following criteria to decide upon inclusion in the database: any poem entitled “epigram” or “epitaph”, or appearing in a selection from book or manuscript entitled “epigrams” or “epitaphs” is included any poem of rhyming couplets (regardless of meter) up to twenty lines in length is included on a few occasions, poems of different rhyme scheme (most often ababcc), but having the sharp focus and mocking spirit typical of the genre of epigram, or the voice typical of the epitaph (i.e. the tombstone itself speaking, “Here lies...”), have been included. poems included are either from volumes printed between 1590 and 1640, or manuscripts compiled in these years. Some poems printed or written in manuscript later, but clearly datable from 1590 to 1640, have been included. Texts The source texts used are listed in the accompanying document. Where reliable modern editions are available, these have been used. In all other cases the first edition of a work has been used; where later editions add further epigrams, these too have been recorded. The reference (“Ref” field) is to the number (or volume and number) of the printed epigram in the original. Unnumbered epigrams have been referenced by page # or signature. Epigrams from manuscript have generally been identified by folio number, except with those manuscripts that have page numbering only (these are referenced with p.). Original spelling has been maintained in all cases, but “i” and “j”, and “u” and “v”, have been regularized to be consistent with modern usage. In cases of two-line epigrams, the second, concluding line has also been recorded.