Arthurian Romances (Penguin Classics)

I really can't say enough in praise of this wonderful book. Each poem is translated into prose in a lively and vivid style. The dialogue is crisp and natural and the action non-stop. But Chretien's intentions go even deeper than merely telling cracking yarns. Each are sensitive and intelligent explorations of human nature. Marital love is ever an important theme in Chretien. In Erec and Enide, the hero neglects his knightly reputation in order to devote himself to his new bride, and in Yvain the hero does the opposite and neglects his bride for valour. Both must set off on a series of adventures that culminate in them seeing the error of their ways and setting matters right. Lancelot is an excellent story, though rather odd in that the theme this time is an adulterous relationship, that of Lancelot and Guinevere. Nowhere does Chretien condemn this relationship, despite negative references elsewhere to the shameful adulterous love between Tristan and Iseult. In Kibler's introduction he suggests that the theme may have been suggested by Chretien's patroness. Perhaps, then, Chretien was anxious not to offend the French Court. At any rate, he didn't bother to finish the romance and gave it to someone else to do (the ending is included in this book). In Perceval Chretien masterfully captures the naivete of the young hero, and he delivers the most mysterious, powerful and influential Arthur story of all. Here we see the holy grail, the bleeding lance and the castle of maidens, all of which have become essential ingredients in Arthurian lore. It's unfinished state presented an irresistible challenge to later poets, some of whom tried to finish it off, others who went back to the beginning and offered their own interpretations. The only story that sometimes gets a little static is Cliges, where the characters occasionally go off into protracted musings on the nature of love. But once you've got past these bits, which to be fair are intelligent insights, it's still a fine read. All in all, I hugely recommend this book. And if it doesn't want to make you start exploring Mallory, Von Eschenbach, and the rest, you've got no romance in your soul!

I read these first as a young child which inspired an life long interest in the legends of King Arthur and his knights. I have read them again, and I consider them to be essential reading for anyone with an interest in these stories. Excellent. A absolute classic.

Arrived in good time, satisfied with purchase.

Perfect

Very good but painfully boring.

It's a bit different from what I normally read and takes a lot of concentration but I liked it.

Excellent product and service. The book was in very good condition and just as described.

Quick and easy sale, with a fantastic product. Highly recommended!

great product, great seller

very beauti

Arrived in good condition with beautiful stories within

This is so interesting to find out where some Arthurian characters and their main stories come from. The only issue is that some of it is incomplete which people might struggle with if they like to finish books feeling satisfied.

I would have rated this product four stars because it wasn't the one that was shown in the pictures, with the sleeve bragging about being the best product in town etc. But after getting the book in my hands, and feeling the pages, reading some of the passages.. This book is a piece of history. I'm glad to have it in my collection, and after a library overdue notice from 1974 dropped out of the pages, I knew this book had been on a long journey to get to me. So I give it FIVE stars. This book looks brand new. No scuffs, no tarnish or rubbings on it's surfaces. The pages are pristine and beautiful, and the book fits nicely in my hand/bag/etc. Plus- they wrote thank you on the shipping bag! Very noteworthy excellence, gladly recommended sellers.