William Langland's poem Piers Plowman is one of the most popular and widely-studied Middle English works. This comprehensive, readable guide leads the student chronologically through the entire text and is designed to be read alongside it. Assuming no previous knowledge, readers are introduced to characters, plot and argument in way that enables them to enjoy and analyse the text for themselves. A Guidebook to 'Piers Plowman': * clarifies and explores Langland's thinking * contextualises the religious, political and social issues he raises * details the genres and sources the poet uses * employs up-to-date bibliographical knowledge to offer alternative critical interpretations and suggest ways of relating these to the poet's key concerns * explains Langland's historical, theological and psychological assumptions in helpful inserted text boxes * features illustrations and suggestions for further reading. Concise and approachable, this is an invaluable tool to help students appreciate the originality and modernity of Langland's poetry.