Song of Roland

Privately Published [Published date: NO date listed, circa 1973]. Edited by John R. Olson Sr. A retelling of the literary classic adapted for younger readers and adults with lower reading levels in English. Includes bibliography. In good condition. Illustrated paper covers have light bumping and creasing to edges and corners with a tiny bit of peeling to the corner tips. Light overall scuffing and soiling to covers as well with a bit of the color rubbed off along the edges and spine. Spine creased and cracked in a few spot but binding is still intact. Pages clean and unmarked. NOT Ex-library. NO remainder marks. [From Notes: Although The Song of Roland developed into a legend, perhaps through stories told by veterans of Charlemagne's expedition into Spain, perhaps through efforts of local monks to entertain pilgrims passing through the monasteries and sanctuaries on the route through the Pyrenees to Santiago de Compostella, The Song of Roland is based on historical fact.Content Versus Possibility: There is not a copy of the original poem extant today. It has been impossible to find even the smallest fragment which could have been written immediately following the battle. It is probable that the Franks honored their forebears and their famous commanders during their lifetimes, or immediately after their deaths, in short lyric compositions which became narrative and epic in nature. An early epic work would have been expanded and elaborated upon. Later authors would have appeared, retold the text adding their individual touches until finally received written form. It is generally agreed that The Song of Roland was written toward the end of the eleventh century. Whatever may have been the actual development of the poem itself, it is obvious that the content of the poem extends beyond actual historical fact. In short, history became legendary.].…