Chretien de Troyes's "Arthurian Romances" offers a collection of medieval prose tales based on his famous "verse romances", including "Erec and Enide". This work highlights the intriguing stories surrounding King Arthur and his knights, translated into accessible prose.
Description
Chretien de Troyes reinvented the medieval romance by combining legends about King Arthur with psychological elements of personal desires and courtliness. In "Erec and Enide" he explores the tension between love and honor, while "The Knight of the Cart" tells the forbidden story of Lancelot and Queen Guinevere. Other tales, such as "Cliges" and "Yvain", explore themes like pure love and the restoration of honor. The book is rich in symbolism and has had a lasting influence on the Arthurian legends as known through Malory.
Product information
- Author: Chretien de Troyes
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
- Imprint: Penguin Classics
- Language: English
- Binding: B-format paperback
- Publication date: 1991-01-31
- Number of pages: 528
- ISBN: 9780140445213
- Theme: Traditional fiction and legends
- BISAC: FICTION / Fairy Tales, Folk Tales, Legends & Mythology
About the author
Chretien de Troyes was a medieval French author from the twelfth century, known for his contributions to literature about King Arthur. Little is known about his life.
William W. Kibler is a lecturer at the University of Texas and former chair of the North American Branch of the Societe Rencesvals, specializing in medieval French literature.
Carleton W. Carroll is a professor of French at Oregon State University and is known for editions and translations of Chretien's works such as "Eric et Enide" and "Le Chevalier au Lion".