Thomas Berthelette and Gower's 'Confessio'

Description: Contrasts the printing history of Gower's "Confessio Amantis" with that of CT, describing how Berthelette's 1532 printing the "Confessio"--the only edition between Caxton and the nineteenth century--contributed to the critical privileging of Chaucer over Gower. Berthelette's prefatory discussion, his printing format, his penchant for ethical and religious works, and his failure to revise and update the presentation of the "Confessio" encourage a view of Gower as a conservative, moral poet.