Medieval Outlaws: Twelve Tales in Modern English Translation - Softcover

Thomas H. Ohlgren; Shaun F. D. Hughes; Thomas E. Kelly

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1932559620 ISBN 13: 9781932559620

Publisher: Parlor Press, 2005

Synopsis

Description Billy the Kid, Jesse James, John Dillinger, and Al Capone were all are criminals who robbed and killed, yet they were considered good outlaws, celebrated in sensational newspapers, newsreels, and dime novels of the day, and later in film and television, for their daring, courage, loyalty, and even chivalry. Our fascination with criminal heroes has a long history, extending back to legendary accounts in medieval chronicle, romance, and ballad. Although their names may not be familiar-Earl Godwin, Hereward, Eustache the Monk, Fouke Fitz Waryn, Án Bow-Bender, Gamelyn, Owain Glyndwr, William of Cloudesley, and William Wallace-these outlaws, in addition to Robin Hood, were all driven to lives of crime as victims of political intrigue or legal injustice. They committed capital crimes punishable by death, but, paradoxically, they were loved, encouraged, and supported by their communities. This revised and expanded edition of Medieval Outlaws gathers twelve outlaw tales, introduced and freshly translated into Modern English by a team of specialists, including Timothy S. Jones, Michael Swanton, Thomas E. Kelly, Mica Gould, Stephen Knight, Shaun F. D. Hughes, Alexander L. Kaufman, Thomas H. Ohlgren, Thomas Hahn, and Walter Scheps. The tales range in date from the Norman Conquest to the sixteenth century. Introductions precede each selection and notes identify all of the significant names, places, and historical events mentioned in the texts. Accessible and entertaining, these tales will be of interest to the general reader and student alike. About the Editor Thomas H. Ohlgren is Professor of English and Medieval Studies at Purdue University and is the author of numerous books and articles on medieval manuscripts and literature.

About this title

About the Author:

Thomas H. Ohlgren is Professor of English and Medieval Studies at Purdue University and is the author of numerous books and articles on medieval manuscripts and literature.

Review:

"Students will find much here to amuse and enlighten." -- Speculum

"a fine myth-debunking history and a swashbuckling read to boot." -- — The Good Book Guide

"a trove for buffs of literature and history who are moved by the morality of the upstart." -- Kirkus

About this edition

• Publisher: Parlor Press
• Publication date: 2005
• ISBN 10: 1932559620
• ISBN 13: 9781932559620
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 524