In 1373, the Book of Hours, a popular devotional book among laypeople, was becoming increasingly common in Europe. These books contained prayers and psalms for private devotion, often beautifully illuminated. The rise of the Book of Hours reflected the growing importance of personal spirituality and literacy among the middle class.

The Book of Hours played a significant role in the development of vernacular literature, as many were produced in local languages. This shift allowed poets to reach broader audiences and contributed to the rise of devotional poetry. The intimate nature of these texts inspired poets to explore personal themes of faith and spirituality in their works.