Customer Reviews:
 Classic Stories January 7, 2008
0 out of 3 found this review helpful
If chivalry and courtly love interest you, this collection of romances is sure to please you.
One of the finest translations November 2, 2003
26 out of 26 found this review helpful
This is without a doubt one of the finest translations into English of Chretien de Troyes' Arthurian romances, which includes the seldom found "William of England".
In "Cliges" are many references to the "Tristan and Iseult" story found in other venues. The tale of Greek and English lovers is not typical of what one expects to find in Arthurian romances.
The term "courtly love" wasn't introduced until the nineteenth century, but according to French scholars, the story of "Le Chevalier de la Charette", or "The Knight of the Cart" (AKA, Lancelot and Guinevere) is the first lyric poem that dealt with this subject. I'm sure I won't be the only person who finds surprises in this early version of the tale.
For those who would like to see one of Sir Thomas Malory's sources, and enjoy a good read into the bargain, this is indeed a book to consider purchasing.
Chretien's stories are some of the best February 26, 2000
20 out of 22 found this review helpful
I've read several books on Arthurian literature, and this is one of my favorites. In Knight of the Cart, Chretien really makes Lancelot shine as he sacrifices more than anyone (Arthur particularly) to save Guinevere. Knight with the Lion is a little on the twisted side as Yvain falls in love with the wife of the man he kills, breaks a promise with her, then gets her back through trickery of words. Very solid, very readable translation by Staines.
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