The Complete Romances of Chrétien de Troyes: The Complete Romances of Chretien de Troyes [Paperback]

David Staines (Translator, Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0253207878 | ISBN-13: 978-0253207876 | Publication Date: January 22, 1991

"[A]n eminently readable text, done clearly and accurately... it gives as good an idea as a translation can of the complexity and subtlety of Chrétien's originals.... The text is provided by a translator who understands the spirit as well as the letter of the original and renders it with style.... [T]his translation should attract a wide audience of students and Arthurian enthusiasts." —Speculum

"[A] significant contribution to the field of medieval studies [and] a pleasure to read." —Library Journal

"These are, above all, stories of courtly love and of knights tested in their devotion to chivalric ideals (with passion and duty often at odds); but they are also thrilling wonder stories of giants, wild men, tame lions, razor-sharp bridges and visits to the Other World." —Washington Post Book World

"This tastefully produced book will be the standard general translation for many years to come." —Choice

This new translation brings to life for a new generation of readers the stories of King Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Gawain, Perceval, Yvain, and the other "knights and ladies" of Chrétien de Troyes' famous romances.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Chretien is where the literary tradition of the Arthurian romance can be seen to begin.... His poems are the earliest we have that portray knights errant questing through dangerous forests to challenge unknown opponents and to learn the meaning of love.... Staines [also] provides the first, and only, English translation of "Guillaume d'Angeleterre" [and] it is very good to have it available." —Times Literary Supplement

(Times Literary Supplement )

Language Notes

Text: English (translation) --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 576 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (January 22, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253207878
• ISBN-13: 978-0253207876
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,658 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 43 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the finest translations, November 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Complete Romances of Chrétien de Troyes: The Complete Romances of Chretien de Troyes (Paperback)

This is without a doubt one of the finest translations into English of Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian romances, which includes the seldom found "William of England".
In "Cliges" are many references to the "Tristan and Iseult" story found in other venues. The tale of Greek and English lovers is not typical of what one expects to find in Arthurian romances.
The term "courtly love" wasn't introduced until the nineteenth century, but according to French scholars, the story of "Le Chevalier de la Charette", or "The Knight of the Cart" (AKA, Lancelot and Guinevere) is the first lyric poem that dealt with this subject. I'm sure I won't be the only person who finds surprises in this early version of the tale.
For those who would like to see one of Sir Thomas Malory's sources, and enjoy a good read into the bargain, this is indeed a book to consider purchasing.

29 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chretien's stories are some of the best, February 25, 2000

By 

James Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Romances of Chrétien de Troyes: The Complete Romances of Chretien de Troyes (Paperback)

I've read several books on Arthurian literature, and this is one of my favorites. In Knight of the Cart, Chretien really makes Lancelot shine as he sacrifices more than anyone (Arthur particularly) to save Guinevere. Knight with the Lion is a little on the twisted side as Yvain falls in love with the wife of the man he kills, breaks a promise with her, then gets her back through trickery of words.

Very solid, very readable translation by Staines.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Had to read a story for a class, ended up reading the whole thing, June 24, 2011

By 

Cory J. Lewandowski "corylewandowski" (Alfred, NY, the college town you havent heard of.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Complete Romances of Chrétien de Troyes: The Complete Romances of Chretien de Troyes (Paperback)

Man these are fun stories. I don't even read often and I loved reading these. Every one of them was fun and interesting. I would recommend this book to people who like fun things and/or happiness.