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The Romance of William and the Werewolf
A magical, long-forgotten masterpiece, The Romance of William and the Werewolf is the story of two princes who overcame their wicked family to reclaim their inheritance and build a society based on tolerance and equality.
Originally titled William of Palerne, it was first translated from French and then converted into an alliterative Middle English romance by an obscure Gloucestershire scribe in c. 1350. It has never been translated into modern English – until now.
Written over 600 years ago, it is a multi-layered tale of poverty, justice, exile and 'otherness'; its themes of inheritance, the freedom of women, fairness and forgiveness, familial responsibility and social class, speak to us just as clearly today, and challenge us to reflect upon our class-driven politics and the corruption, entitlement and indifference which underlie it.
As with Michael Smith’s other translations – Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and King Arthur’s Death – The Romance of William and the Werewolf will feature a detailed historical introduction, a comprehensive glossary and notes, and Michael’s own rich and beautiful linocut illustrations.
Originally titled William of Palerne, it was first translated from French and then converted into an alliterative Middle English romance by an obscure Gloucestershire scribe in c. 1350. It has never been translated into modern English – until now.
Written over 600 years ago, it is a multi-layered tale of poverty, justice, exile and 'otherness'; its themes of inheritance, the freedom of women, fairness and forgiveness, familial responsibility and social class, speak to us just as clearly today, and challenge us to reflect upon our class-driven politics and the corruption, entitlement and indifference which underlie it.
As with Michael Smith’s other translations – Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and King Arthur’s Death – The Romance of William and the Werewolf will feature a detailed historical introduction, a comprehensive glossary and notes, and Michael’s own rich and beautiful linocut illustrations.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published March 4, 2025
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About the author
Michael Smith
1,599 books36 followersLibrarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
January 28, 2025
*Note. At time of writing, goodreads says this book is not currently out. This may be to do with editions, as I certainly have a copy.
A curious piece of alliterative poetry, both of its time and timeless. As a whole package it encourages us to consider medieval morality.
The historical notes are interesting in and of themselves, describing the setting in which it was written and possible authorship. This book delves into detail about differences between the original 12th century French (though it may be it was in Latin before that), and the Middle English. The book is also well sourced.
A curious piece of alliterative poetry, both of its time and timeless. As a whole package it encourages us to consider medieval morality.
The historical notes are interesting in and of themselves, describing the setting in which it was written and possible authorship. This book delves into detail about differences between the original 12th century French (though it may be it was in Latin before that), and the Middle English. The book is also well sourced.
Displaying 1 of 1 review