Synopsis
Explore how legends grow—from simple ballads to a shaping epic that still fires the imagination.
This edition presents a translation of the early tale known as the Song of Roland and locates its origins in a world where oral storytelling, historical events, and shifting cultures mingle. It discusses Charlemagne’s era, the clash between old Rome and emerging feudal Christendom, and how listening peoples turned rough lays into a lasting epic.
Readers will gain insight into language and culture, the making of legends, and the ways protagonists, battles, and places become symbols across centuries. The notes trace how old texts were written, altered, and interpreted, offering context for one of the most influential medieval narratives.
- How ballads evolve into a national epic and why this matters for our understanding of legend
- Historical backdrop: Charlemagne’s world and the collision of civilizations
- Language and transmission: Teutonic and Romance roots in the enduring poem
- Character cast and key moments that shape the tale’s memory across time
Ideal for readers new to medieval legends and fans of literary history alike, this edition clarifies the origins, transmission, and significance of a foundational epic.
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About the Author
Charles Kenneth Scott Moncrieff, (1889 – 1930) was a Scottish writer, most famous for his English translation of most of Proust's À la recherche du temps perdu, which he published under the Shakespearean title Remembrance of Things Past.
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The Song of Roland (Classic Reprint)
Print on DemandSeller: Forgotten Books, London, United Kingdom
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book is a comprehensive analysis of the famous medieval poem "The Song of Roland", an exemplary work of epic literature from the 11th century. Its detailed history and evolution are traced, from its initial oral tradition to the many forms it has taken over time. The author skillfully examines the central themes, exploring the rich tapestry of heroism, faith, destiny, and the struggle between good and evil that resonates with readers to this day. The book also explores the remarkable impact this epic has had on literature and art, highlighting its enduring influence on Western culture and the insights it provides into the human condition. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781331703785_0
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The Song of Roland Classic Reprint
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PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # LW-9781331703785
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