Middle English Verse Romances

by Donald B. Sands (Editor)

From the Preface: Encompassed here are twelve Middle English metrical romances, all of them, in their own way, very genuine and delightful. In recent years they have suffered neglect. To be sure, all have at one time or another been given individual editions, but these have usually been diplomatic editions intended to establish texts and provide material for philological investigation; few have attempted to present the romances as examples of imaginative literature. The result has generally been that they hindered Middle English metrical romances from being read as literature. For the most part, indeed, the metrical romances seem to be read very little, if at all. They are overshadowed by Chaucer, Langland, and the Pearl Poet and are perhaps penalized because they are not the supreme products of an age. But the neglect to which they have been subjected is unjust. They are first attempts at secular fiction and hence deserve a place in literary history. They were intended originally to entertain and they can entertain today.

Genres: Poetry, Medieval, Classics, Anthologies, Reference, Arthurian, History

398 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Leila Anani · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is THE definitive anthology of Middle-English verse romances and a must own for any student of Medieval literature. It collects together stories that you just won't find anywhere else as accessible.

My personal favourite is Sir Orfeo from the Breton Lai - the Medieval version of the Orpheus myth where the heroine is kidnapped by the queen of the fairies.

Other highlights include Havelok the Dane, King Horn, Athelston and Gamelyn and Floris and Blancheflour (A clear inspiration for Shakespeare - The Winter's Tale)

We have everything here: Proto Robin Hoood, tales of King Arthur (Sir Gawain makes two appearances) to classic folk tales.

This edition is clear and easy to read, presenting the Middle-English with plenty of room for annotation.

Its indispensable and a gem for any library.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was difficult, but very rewarding! I'm hooked on Middle English romances now!

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The best collection of Middle English romances I have come across. The selection is wide with a dozen romances in this compact volume. The gloss is great because it doesn't over-gloss (like the Norton Critical Edition does), and yet highlights the more unusual words. These are well contextualized and well introduced. Can only think to say that a twin-sequel should be produces to include all the romances that this one can't.

[Michael C · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good selection of medieval English romances in the original Middle English, with on-page glosses as well as a partial glossary at the end of the book. For students, this gives a good flavour of what these romances are like. Encountering them again after some years, I was struck by how mediocre and tedious most of them are. The main exception is the relatively brief but wonderful "Sir Orfeo", a medieval take on the Orpheus legend, very different from ancient Greek legend, with a happy ending, and drawing on medieval folk traditions about faery: the story is told effectively, with good pacing, and the quality of the writing makes it stand out.

[Robert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is pretty much canon for anybody studying Middle English beyond the undergrad level. This collection has several different permutations, and it is worth one's time to explore the margin and footnotes to see which is best for you.

[Highlyeccentric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some knights never learn, when it comes to monstrous men and bizarre challenges.