Arthurian Romances - Softcover

De Troyes, Chretien

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1502300494 ISBN 13: 9781502300492

Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2014

Synopsis

In "Arthurian Romances," Chrétien de Troyes takes the legends surrounding King Arthur and weaves in new psychological elements of personal desire and courtly manner to fashion a new form of medieval Romance. "The Knight of the Cart" is the first telling of the adulterous relationship between Lancelot and Arthur's Queen Guinevere, while in "The Knight with the Lion" Yvain neglects his bride in his quest for greater glory. Erec and Enide explores a knight's conflict between love and honor, Cliges exalts the possibility of pure love outside marriage, while the haunting "Story of the Grail" chronicles the legendary quest. Rich in symbolism, the evocative talks in "Arthurian Romances" combine closely observed detail with fantastic adventure to create a compelling world that is the basis of the Arthurian legends we know today.

About this title

From the Publisher:

Founded in 1906 by J.M. Dent, the Everyman Library has always tried to make the best books ever written available to the greatest number of people at the lowest possible price. Unique editorial features that help Everyman Paperback Classics stand out from the crowd include: a leading scholar or literary critic's introduction to the text, a biography of the author, a chronology of her or his life and times, a historical selection of criticism, and a concise plot summary. All books published since 1993 have also been completely restyled: all type has been reset, to offer a clarity and ease of reading unique among editions of the classics; a vibrant, full-color cover design now complements these great texts with beautiful contemporary works of art. But the best feature must be Everyman's uniquely low price. Each Everyman title offers these extensive materials at a price that competes with the most inexpensive editions on the market-but Everyman Paperbacks have durable binding, quality paper, and the highest editorial and scholarly standards.

From the Back Cover:

Although he didn't invent the Round Table or the tales of its fellowship, the twelfth-century poet Chrétien de Troyes was the first to recount in verse the adventures of Arthur's knights. He is also chiefly responsible for establishing the importance of the Arthurian legend in European literature and assuring its survival into modern times. This sensitive translation of Chrétien's verse narratives features four romances, including those of Erec and Enide, Cligés, Yvain, and Lancelot.
Erec and Enide's tale illustrates how honor can be restored to a troubled relationship through acts of public duty. Cligés' tale involves a forbidden relationship, in which a knight falls in love with his queen--who is also his uncle's wife. The story of Yvain explores the effects of long-term absence on a questing knight's marriage. Lancelot's adventure, the rescue of Guinevere, is Chrétien's enduring contribution to the tradition of Arthurian myth. The version included is a principal source of Mallory's popular Le Morte d'Arthur. Lively and accessible, these four romances form the most complete expression of the ideals of French chivalry by a single author.
Dover (2006) republication of the edition published by E. P. Dutton & Co., New York, 1913.

About this edition

• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 1502300494
• ISBN 13: 9781502300492
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 324