In Their Own Words

First complete collection and analysis of some 350 alliterating word-pairs from the corpus of over 100 Early Middle High German literature (circa 1070-1170), including references to earlier occurrences in the Old High German era (circa 800-1070), and new findings adding to the earlier data. Covers religious poetry and prose, translations, historical writing, sermons, minnesang, and all other surviving German texts. Demonstrates various functions of the word-pairs, highlighting especially evocative passages, and making evident the long evolution of the still popular rhetorical device. Includes complete listing of Old High and Early Middle High German alliterating word-pairs.