The Knightly Tales of Sir Gawain

From medieval Paris to modern Broadway, the chronicles, tales and romances of King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table have endured and entertained. Sir Gawain was the most courageous, the most courteous, and the most amorous of these knights. This book brings together for the first time in modern English seven tales about this hero. The collection here illuminates the many aspects of Sir Gawain's illustrious reputation. The reader will find Gawain engaging his opponents and emerging as the best and most courageous fighter. Gawain's chivalry is contrasted with the rudeness of Sir Kay, and his charm succeeds where Kay's boorishness fails. As a great lover, Gawain knows no rival. The stories which have been collected here were originally written in verse. A minstrel sang these medieval tales or a storyteller recited them in the great hall of a castle, at pilgrim's inns, or in lively town taverns. Modern verse versions (such as those by Alfred Lord Tennyson or Edwin Arlington Robinson) and the modern prose narratives are thought to be best read silently and alone. With such differences in purpose come many differences in style. The stylistic devices - commands to the audience, use of the first person, and the "inexpressible" as a rhetorical device - have been preserved in this translation even though they may appear rather stilted today. The reader is reminded that the audience for the tales of Sir Gawain must have been young, and that Sir Gawain may be seen as an expression of youthful aspirations - physical courage in the context of violence, love at first sight and of short duration, and a single-minded dedication to courtesy and truth. In these respects, Gawain embodies a moral code of the transitional period between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The fights in these tales are bloody and deadly. Sir Gawain is wounded three times. At Golagro's castle, one knight is killed, two die of heart attacks, and both Gawain and Golagro are bloodied. The joust, "the toughest collision sport in history," is vividly pictured in these stories. The general introduction provides a background for enjoying the collection. Each tale has its special introduction that describes the particulars of the manuscript from which the tale originated and defines the medieval position on the basic issues involved. The language of these translations is simple, straightforward, and up-to-date. Use of archaic or overly modern expressions has been avoided. With characters that fascinate and conflicts that captivate, this translation should entertain the general reader. It will also delight the student of the Middle Ages who is searching for new material originally written in the Middle-English and Middle-Scots dialects. the Knightly Tales of Sir Gawain will be a valuable addition to everyone's library. Jacket drawing by Martha Hall.
ASIN: 0882294075
VSKU: BVV.0882294075.G
Condition: Good
Author/Artist:Louis B. Hall
Binding: Paperback
Note: Any images shown are stock photographs and product may differ from what is shown.
Condition Notes: The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.