This edition includes Edward Gallagher's prose translations of The Lays of Marie de France; a general introduction; a map; commentaries on the lays; two anonymous Breton lays—-The Lay of Melion and The Lay of Tyolet; a glossary of proper names; a glossary of specialized terms; and an appendix of selected texts in the Old French, including Marie's Prologue, Guigemar, Bisclavret, and Yonec.
Marie de France (fl. late twelfth century) is the earliest known French woman poet and her lais - stories in verse based on Breton tales of chivalry and romance - are among the finest of the genre. Recounting the trials and tribulations of lovers, the lais inhabit a powerfully realized world where very real human protagonists act out their lives against fairy-tale elements of magical beings, potions and beasts. De France takes a subtle and complex view of courtly love, whether telling the story of the knight who betrays his fairy mistress or describing the noblewoman who embroiders her sad tale on the shroud for a nightingale killed by a jealous and suspicious husband.
Marie de France ([Mary of France[) was a poet evidently born in France and living in England during the late 12th century. Virtually nothing is known of her early life, though she wrote a form of continental French that was copied by Anglo-Norman scribes. Therefore, most of the manuscripts of her work bear Anglo-Norman traits. She also translated some Latin literature. Although her actual name is now unknown, she is referred to as [Marie de France[ after a line in one of her published works: [Marie ai nun, si sui de France, [ Four works have been attributed to Marie de France: The Lais of Marie de France, the Ysopet fables, a retelling of the Legend of the Purgatory of St. Patrick, and, most recently, a saint[s life called La Vie Seinte Audree about Saint Audrey of Ely. Scholars have dated Marie[s works between about 1160 at the earliest, and about 1215 at the latest, though it is probable that they were written between about 1170 and 1205. In 1816, the English poet Matilda Betham wrote a long poem about Marie de France in octosyllabic couplets, The Lay of Marie.
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Gallant knights, blushing maidens, tyrannical lords, damsels in distress, feats of courage, love pure and true -- you'll find all of this and more in this enchanting collection of tales from France's medieval period. Selected from the classic twelfth-century text Lais of Marie de France and rendered in an engaging English translation, this volume is a treat for readers of all ages.
On July 4, 1187 the legendary Muslim leader Saladin destroyed the Crusader army of the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem with a terrible slaughter at the battle of Hattin - and subsequently restored the Holy City of Jerusalem to Islamic rule. The carnage at Hattin was the culmination of almost a century of religious wars between Christians and Muslims in the Holy Land. It had enormous consequences for the whole medieval world because it produced an intensification of holy war between Islam and Europe for over another century and, in retrospect, marked the beginning of the end for the Crusader presence in the Middle East. In the 20th century, memory of the battle was revived as a symbol of Arab hope for liberation from Crusader Imperialism and in the 21st, it has become a rallying cry for radical Muslim fundamentalists in their struggle for the soul of Islam. In this new volume in the Great Battles series, John France analyzes the origins and course of this pivotal battle, illuminating the roots of the bitter hatred that underlay it and explains its significance in world history - from medieval times to the present.
The Red Lily — Complete" is a literary masterpiece penned with the aid of Anatole France. This novel, set in opposition to the backdrop of the French Revolution, intricately weaves collectively elements of romance, politics, and social upheaval. The narrative unfolds inside the past due 18th century, following the intertwined lives of characters navigating the tumultuous duration of progressive fervor. At the heart of the story is the character of Thérèse Martin, a passionate and independent lady whose existence turns into entangled with the political upheavals of the time. As the revolution unfolds, Thérèse grapples with love, loss, and the complexities of societal change. France skillfully explores the impact of political unrest on private destinies, presenting a nuanced portrayal of characters grappling with their convictions and dreams. Anatole France, a Nobel Prize-prevailing French writer, is celebrated for his literary craftsmanship and eager social observation. "The Red Lily — Complete" showcases France's capacity to mixture ancient events with wealthy man or woman improvement, imparting readers with a compelling and concept-upsetting exploration of the human experience amidst a backdrop of revolution and societal transformation. The novel stays a testament to France's enduring contribution to literature.
Anne of France (1461-1522), daughter of Louis XI and sister of Charles VIII, was one of the most powerful women of the fifteenth century. She was referred to by her contemporaries as Madame la Grande, and remained an active and influential figure in France throughout her life. As the fifteenth century drew to a close, Anne composed a series of enseignements, "lessons", for her daughter Suzanne of Bourbon. These instructions represent a distillation of a lifetime's experience, and are presented through the portrait of an ideal princess, thus preparing her daughter to act both circumspectly and politically. Having steered her own course successfully, Anne offers her daughter advice intended to help her negotiate the difficult passage of a woman in the world of politics. This is the first translation into English of Anne of France's Lessons.
Thais" is a novel written by the acclaimed French author Anatole France. This historical tale set in ancient Egypt is regarded as one of France's most remarkable literary masterpieces. The story centres around Thais, a gorgeous and well-known courtesan in Alexandria around the 4th century AD. Thais is noted for her appeal and enchanting charisma, that captures both strong men and other one commoners' hearts. Her life, however, takes a dramatic change when she meets Paphnuce, a devoted Christian monk seeking to convert her to Christianity and bring her to redemption. Anatole France examines issues of spirituality and salvation, and also the collision of opposing worldviews throughout the narrative. Thais transitions from a hedonistic to a pious lifestyle, and Paphnuce struggles with his own inner anguish as he tries to preserve her soul. "Thais" is an engrossing story about the intricacies of human aspirations, faith, and the search for meaning in a world of decadence and spirituality. The work is a timeless investigation of the human condition and the constant conflict between earthly pleasures and spiritual enlightenment, thanks to Anatole France's superb narrative and rich historical information.
As in Paradise Lost, the angels are in rebellion. This 1914 satire of war, government, and religion offers an ever-resonant protest against violence and tyranny. Illustrations by Frank C. Papé.
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