History

Introduction

The book is called Enigmata: One hundred lyrical riddles, following in the tradition of Symphosius, Aldhelm and Tolkien. But what are enigmata? Who are Symphosius and Aldhelm? And why am I comparing myself to either of them, let alone J.R.R. Tolkien?

To answer these questions, I need to tell you a little about the history of the riddle.

(These few chapters are based on the preface to Enigmata. Since I don't need to worry so much about the word count here, this version includes a couple of subjects that I didn't have room for in the preface.)

1. What are enigmata?
2. Symphosius and the Anglo-Saxons
3. Rhyme and relatability
4. Is this a riddle I see before me?
5. Dismantling the words
6. A place for Enigmata

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