The Story of Genesis and Exodus: An Early English Song, about 1250 A.D. by Morris

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The Story of Genesis and Exodus: An Early English Song, about 1250 A.D. by Morris

(5 User reviews) 1120

By Emma Robinson Posted on Mar 30, 2026

In Category - Historical Analysis

Authors: Published By :

Book Language: English

Ever wonder what the Bible would sound like if your medieval grandpa wrote it in verse? That's this book. It's a 13th-century poet's attempt to put the whole Genesis and Exodus story into rhyming English, and it's wild. Picture Noah's Ark told with the rhythm of a pub song, or Abraham arguing with God in simple, punchy lines. The mystery isn't in the plot—we know how that goes—but in hearing these ancient, foundational stories filtered through the mind of a regular person from 1250. Who was this poet? Why did they choose to write it this way? It feels less like a sacred text and more like someone desperately trying to make these epic tales stick in people's heads. It's history, poetry, and theology all mashed into one surprisingly readable package. If you think old books have to be stuffy, this will prove you wrong.

File: The Story of Genesis and Exodus: An Early English Song, about 1250 A.D. by Morris

Let's be clear: this isn't the King James Bible. The Story of Genesis and Exodus is something much stranger and more human. Written around 1250, it's a single, long poem in Middle English that races through the first two books of the Bible. It starts with Creation and doesn't let up until the Israelites are wandering in the desert.

The Story

You know the highlights: Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel, Noah and the flood, the Tower of Babel, and then the whole saga of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Finally, it follows Moses from the bulrushes to leading his people out of Egypt. The poet, whose name is lost to time, doesn't add new events. Instead, they speed through the narrative, focusing on action and dialogue, and wrapping it all in a steady, memorable rhyme. It's like the 'greatest hits' version, told to be remembered and recited.

Why You Should Read It

This is where the magic happens. Reading this isn't about learning the story; it's about feeling the distance and the closeness of 800 years. The language is simple and direct. When God tells Abraham to leave his home, the command is blunt. The plagues in Egypt are described with a grim, matter-of-fact tone. You get the sense of a poet working with familiar material, trying to make it vivid and urgent for their own community. It strips away centuries of artistic and theological polish, giving you a raw, energetic, and surprisingly accessible version of these foundational myths.

Final Verdict

This is a niche book, but a fascinating one. It's perfect for history buffs, poetry lovers, or anyone curious about how stories evolve. If you've ever enjoyed a modern retelling of a myth, this is the medieval equivalent. It's not a quick or easy read—the Middle English takes some getting used to—but modern translations (like the one by Richard Morris this edition is based on) make it approachable. Don't come looking for deep character analysis or new plot twists. Come to hear an ancient voice, trying to make old stories sing for a new audience. In that, it completely succeeds.