Chrétien de Troyes is arguably the creator of Arthurian romance, and it is on his work that later writers have based their interpretations. This book offers both crucial information on, and a comprehensive coverage of, all aspects of the work of Chrétien de Troyes - the literary and historical background, patronage, his influence on other writers, manuscripts and editions of his work and, at the heart of the volume, major essays on his themes, techniques and artistic achievements in each of his compositions; the contributions, all from leading experts in Chrétien and related studies, have been commissioned especially for this volume and are designed to remain accessible to students while also addressing specialists in Arthurian studies and Chrétien de Troyes. They reflect the most current critical and scholarly views on one of the greatest of medieval authors. Contributors: John W. Baldwin, June Hall McCash, Laurence Harf-Lancner, Norris J. Lacy, Douglas Kelly, Keith Busby, Peter F. Dembowski, Roberta L. Krueger, Donald Maddox, Sara Sturm-Maddox, Joan Tasker Grimbert, Matilda Tomaryn Bruckner, Tony Hunt, Rupert T. Pickens, Annie Combes, Michelle Szkilnik, Emmanuele Baumgartner

A substantial introduction traces the Tristan and Isolde legend from the twelfth century to the present, emphasizing literary versions, but also surveying the legend's sources and its appearance in the visual arts, music and film. The nineteen essays are a mix of new, new English, revised, and 'classic'. It contains an extensive bibliography.

The historical existence of women trouveres in northern France during the 12th and 13th centuries has been doubted, largely because many songs were anonymous. This anthology of over 70 Old French songs, accompanied by parallel English verse translation, aims to identify female authorship, based on the evidence of lyrics, linguistics and associated manuscript details. The extensive introduction discusses the female voice in a range of lyric types, including `chanson de femme' laments, romances and indecent vernacular songs, and considers the controversial role of women poets and musicians in medieval society. Includes extracts of sheet music.

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Product Description: This study views the pervasive ambiguity of Chretien's romances as a positive quality and focuses on the techniques used in Yvain to encourage reflection. An adversative structure informs this romance, setting up a disconcerting rhythm of false belief and reversal which forces the reader/listener (like the hero) to question all that meets the eyes and ears...read more

Product Description: This study views the pervasive ambiguity of Chretien's romances as a positive quality and focuses on the techniques used in Yvain to encourage reflection. An adversative structure informs this romance, setting up a disconcerting rhythm of false belief and reversal which forces the reader/listener (like the hero) to question all that meets the eyes and ears...read more