Index of English Epigrams, 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.