Tristan & Iseult [School & Library Binding]

Rosemary Sutcliff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1991 | Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

A retelling of the romantic, tragic legend of Tristan and Iseult. Age group 9-12.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Sutcliff retains the original Celtic flavor in her stylish tale of this legendary couple. PW said, "The result is a beautifully woven story of heroic deeds, of the doomed love between the brave Tristan and Iseult, the princess of Ireland." Ages 10-up.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Review

"The storytelling is superb." --The Horn Book

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• School & Library Binding: 150 pages
• Publisher: San Val (September 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0613718852
• ISBN-13: 978-0613718851
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,182,606 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Rosemary Sutcliff wrote more than 40 historical novels for young adults-including The Eagle of the Ninth, The Silver Branch, The Lantern Bearers, The Sword and the Circle, and Black Ships Before Troy-five adult novels, and several books of nonfiction.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CELTIC ETERNAL TRIANGLE, February 9, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Tristan and Iseult (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

This Brittanic hero, beloved of two beautiful young women named Iseult, emerges as a valiant youth and amazing champion, despite the added medieval trappings of later versions. The star-crossed lovers are destined to love only each other, yet to be wed to other partners for the sake of Honor--critical to the code of celtic chivalry. Torn between his home in Lothian (Scotland), his heart in Cornwall, and his duty in Brittany, young Tristan craves action, adventure and far-flung fame. Further complicating the plot, he wins Iseult in fair combat, yet may not claim her for himself. Too late he discovers that the core of his being is pledged to this red-haired princess, the bride for his liege lord, the King.

This ageless story of ill-fated romance speaks to us across the centuries, thanks to Sutcliff's superb linguistic tapestry; she weaves revealing understatement with gracious descriptions of both terrestrial and maritime settings. No need has she for the famous love potion, taken as a remedy for sea sickness by King Marc's loyal vassal. Tristan's "crime" is all the more heinous because in ancient literature the most sacred human relationship is not the father-son, but the uncle-nephew; thus to betray one's uncle (or 2nd father)is unthinkable.

Tristan and Iseult's anguished lives and broken hearts are the result of their own actions and unbridled emotions, not a brew consumed in error. Tristan may roam the celtic world all his life, but he can never pluck her image from his noble heart. Only the reader may judge which of the two damsels--Iseult of Cornwall or Iseult of the White Hands--loves him more. Or does his greater injury. This edition could be slightly improved if it included a map of his journeys, since most Americans are not that familiar with Brittanic geography. But the tale is timeless, the narrative exquisite and their love survives beyond the grave. For adult readers of all ages.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Tristan for Children and Teenages, August 20, 2001

By 

Bernard M. Patten "Book worm" (Seabrook, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tristan and Iseult (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

Tristan is a Celtic legend dating from the fifth century and probably told around peat fires until written down by Thomas of Brittany circa 1160. Subsequently this ancient tale received medieval dress as the troubadours enriched it and placed it in turreted castles in which it is generally set. Subsequent authors have all tampered with the tale, adjusting it to suit their needs. Sutcliff has done the same by simplifying and shortening and leaving out the love potion aas the explanation of why Tristan and Iseult fall in love. Her version is a concise pellet of information and story I presume designed for children and teenagers for whom it is well suited. Those of you who like your Tristan straight up should read The Romance of Tristan in the Curtis translation or Beroul's masterpiece The Romance of Tristan and Iseult by Bedier. Those who wish to read a truly zany version might take a look at The Romance of Tristan and Iseult: Modern Version (the one I like the best) wherein the lovers communicate by fax machines and portable phones.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Love Story, August 29, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: Tristan and Iseult (Sunburst Book) (Paperback)

Tristan and Iseult is one of the best books I have ever read. And the way Sutcliff tells the story is supurb. I highly recomend it.