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"Intelligent, insightful, and superbly researched. Jones has
succeeded especially well in presenting so many texts and
recounting their stories with clarity, brevity, and a light
hand."--William Calin, author of "The French Tradition and
Literature of Medieval England" "An essential introduction to the
Old French chanson de geste tradition, from basic texts to critical
considerations of the genre including later versions in Europe and
some lesser-known texts. Provides background for aspiring
medievalists in many fields and engages readers with its lively
presentations of critical discussions."--Leslie Zarker Morgan,
coeditor of "Approaches to Teaching the "Song of Roland"" "An
indispensable research tool for students and scholars of Old French
literature. Its nuanced readings, informed by Jones's admirable
command of both previous and current scholarship, not only set the
major French epics in a rich literary, social, and historical
context but also reveal the continuing relevance of the ethical
issues raised by these medieval poems. This book will make the
teaching of "La Chanson de Roland" (and other French epic texts) a
less daunting task for those of us who are not specialists. A
welcome addition to my library "--Elizabeth W. Poe, author of
"Compilatio" Loosely based on French history but often embellished
in fantastical ways and written to be performed by minstrels and
jongleurs, ""chansons de geste are one of the most important
traditions of the French Middle Ages.
With an overview of the principal epic cycles, their literary and
historical analogues, close readings, contemporary versions and
allusions, notes on dates and versification, and a glossary of key
terms, Catherine Jones makes these poems accessible to students and
any reader interested in learning more about this lively genre. She
presents an essential survey of traditional scholarship, such as
debates about sources and elements of style, and raises intriguing
contemporary questions related to alterity, gender, and genre. With
its many critical layers, this book is ideal for undergraduates and
teachers alike.
The first complete English translation of three chansons de geste
inspired by the Romance epic, the Song of Roland. The success of
the eleventh-century Song of Roland gave rise to a series of around
twenty related chansons de geste, known collectively as the Cycle
of the King. In addition to reworkings of the Song of Roland in Old
French and other medieval languages, these poems are devoted to the
numerous military campaigns of Charlemagne against the Muslims
before and after the tragic Battle of Roncevaux. These texts
provide valuable insights into the medieval reception of the Roland
material, exemplifying the process of cycle formation and attesting
to the diversity of the Romance epic. Far from presenting a
simplistic view of the clash of civilizations, these chansons de
geste display a web of contradictions, offering both a
glorification and a critique of hatred and violence. This volume
offers English translations of the three epic poems whose action
directly precedes the events of the Song of Roland. Gui of Burgundy
extends the period of time spent in Spain by Charles and his army
from seven to twenty-six years, which gives the sons of the Twelve
Peers the opportunity to reach adulthood and come to the rescue of
their fathers. Roland at Saragossa, composed in Occitan, takes
place in the days immediately preceding the decisive defeat and
relates in an heroi-comic manner how Roland sneaks into Saragossa
at the request of the pagan Queen Braslimonda, who has been
enraptured by his strength and beauty. Finally, Otinel tells of a
Saracen envoy who comes to Paris to challenge Charlemagne on behalf
of the Emir Garsile, who has his capital in Lombardy. The action
takes place in France and northern Italy in a lull between the
capture of Pamplona and the defeat at Roncevaux. The translations
are presented with notes, and the volume includes an introduction
placing the poems in their wider historical and cultural contexts.
This book provides research summaries from a number of different
focuses in this important field, as well as compiles biographical
sketches of top professionals in the field of biochemistry
research.
This book provides research summaries from a number of different
focuses in the field of biochemistry research.
This book provides research summaries from a number of different
focuses in this important field, as well as compiles biographical
sketches of top professionals in the field of biochemistry
research.
Old French epic poems, or chansons de geste, are one of the most
important traditions of the French Middle Ages. Consisting of
approximately 120 poems including the famous Song of Roland, these
tremendously popular songs were based on French history but often
embellished in fantastical ways and written to be performed by
minstrels. With an overview of the principal epic cycles, close
readings of six major poems, and a glossary of key terms, Catherine
Jones makes the chansons de geste accessible to students and any
reader interested in learning more about this lively genre. She
also presents an essential survey of traditional scholarship, such
as debates about sources and elements of style, and raises
intriguing contemporary questions related to alterity, gender, and
genre. With its many critical layers, this book is ideal for
undergraduates and teachers alike.
This book compiles biographical sketches of top professionals in
the field of biochemistry research, as well as research summaries
from a number of different focuses in this important field.
While most English-language readers are familiar with Old French
epic poetry, or chansons de geste, through the Song of Roland and
its tale of gallant martyrdom, this volume provides a broader and
richer view of the tradition by introducing songs devoted to the
exploits of a different sort of hero-the brave and blustery William
of Orange. An Old French Trilogy provides an updated English
translation of three central poems from the twelfth-century
Guillaume d'Orange cycle. In The Coronation of Louis, the hero
saves both king and pope from would-be usurpers and earns the
nickname "Short-Nosed William" after a fierce, disfiguring battle
with a Saracen giant. In A Convoy to Nimes and The Conquest of
Orange, William conquers two important cities and wins the love of
the Saracen Queen Orable. Tremendously popular in the Middle Ages,
these works stand the test of time, and the accessible translations
capture the sense of the original Old French decasyllabic verse
without attempting to preserve or imitate its formal properties.
The introduction to the volume discusses literary devices and
motifs; historical context; issues of religious conflict,
otherness, and gender roles; and themes such as loyalty and
courage.
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