The Song of Roland: Translated Into English Prose (Classic Reprint) - Softcover

Isabel Butler

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9781331749479: The Song of Roland: Translated Into English Prose (Classic Reprint)

Synopsis

Explore a medieval epic born from oral song that shaped legends of Charlemagne and his knights.

This introduction explains how the "Song of Roland" grew from a history-inspired tale into a beloved chanson de geste, sung by wandering minstrels and passed along through generations.

In clear terms, the book describes the era’s epic poetry, its form, and its role in medieval culture. It shows how battles, chivalry, and faith were woven into stories told aloud across towns and churches, long before printing or formal schooling.
  • What a chanson de geste is, and how the Roland fits into a broader tradition of epic poetry.
  • How history and legend mingle, shaping events and characters for storytelling purposes.
  • Why the Roland reflects older, ruder forms of medieval life and values.
  • How editors and translators view the text as both a historical and literary artifact.
Ideal for readers of medieval literature and history, this edition offers context that helps you understand the story’s origins, its cultural impact, and how it was transmitted from stage to manuscript to modern readers.

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