Books Should Be Free
Loyal Books
Free Public Domain Audiobooks & eBook Downloads
Search by: Title, Author or Keyword

Old French Romances   By: (1834-1896)

Book cover

Old French Romances by William Morris presents a collection of timeless tales that offer a glimpse into the enchanting world of medieval literature. As an influential figure in the Arts and Crafts Movement, Morris masterfully translates the rich narratives of classic French romances, captivating readers with his exquisite prose and meticulous attention to detail.

This book takes readers on a journey through a diverse range of stories, each one meticulously selected to showcase the breadth and depth of French romance. From popular tales like "The Story of Guingamor" and "The Romance of Tristram" to lesser-known gems such as "The Story of Floris and Blanchefleur" and "The Story of the Emperor Coustans," the collection offers a comprehensive overview of the genre.

Morris's translation skills shine through his elegant and lyrical rendition of these medieval narratives. He effortlessly captures the essence of the original texts, painting vivid pictures of chivalrous knights, fair ladies, and sprawling landscapes. His attention to preserving the original language, style, and nuances adds an authenticity that transports readers to the bygone era of courtly love and heroic adventures.

One of the notable strengths of Old French Romances lies in Morris's engaging and informative introductions to each tale. Providing historical context and background information, he enhances the reading experience by deepening our understanding of the stories' origins and significance. These introductions not only serve as excellent precursors to the main narratives but also demonstrate Morris's expertise and passion for medieval literature.

Moreover, the book's physical production is a testament to the impeccable craftsmanship associated with William Morris. The elegant cover design, exquisite typography, and beautiful illustrations pay homage to Morris's commitment to combining beauty and utility. This aesthetic touch elevates the reading experience, further immersing readers into the world of these enchanting romances.

While the language and style of Old French Romances may appear archaic to some modern readers, Morris's translation strikes a balance between preserving the authenticity of the originals and ensuring accessibility. His clear and flowing prose allows readers to fully engage with these tales, appreciating their timeless themes and enduring appeal.

In conclusion, Old French Romances is an exceptional collection of medieval literature that showcases William Morris's tremendous talent as a translator. Readers seeking to delve into the mesmerizing world of chivalry, courtly love, and epic adventures will find this book an absolute delight. Morris's skillful rendition, coupled with informative introductions and exquisite production, makes this anthology a valuable addition to any literary enthusiast's bookshelf.

First Page:

OLD FRENCH ROMANCES DONE INTO ENGLISH BY WILLIAM MORRIS

INTRODUCTION

Many of us have first found our way into the Realm of Romance, properly so called, through the pages of a little crimson clad volume of the Bibliotheque Elzevirienne. {1} Its last pages contain the charming Cante Fable of Aucassin et Nicolete, which Mr. Walter Pater's praises and Mr. Andrew Lang's brilliant version have made familiar to all lovers of letters. But the same volume contains four other tales, equally charming in their way, which Mr. William Morris has now made part of English literature by writing them out again for us in English, reproducing, as his alone can do of living men's, the tone, the colour, the charm of the Middle Ages. His versions have appeared in three successive issues of the Kelmscott Press, which have been eagerly snapped up by the lovers of good books. It seemed a pity that these cameos of romance should suffer the same fate as Mr. Lang's version of Aucassin et Nicolete, which has been swept off the face of the earth by the Charge of the Six Hundred, who were lucky enough to obtain copies of the only edition of that little masterpiece of translation. Mr. Morris has, therefore, consented to allow his versions of the Romances to be combined into one volume in a form not unworthy of their excellence but more accessible to those lovers of books whose purses have a habit of varying in inverse proportion to the amount of their love... Continue reading book >>




eBook Downloads
ePUB eBook
• iBooks for iPhone and iPad
• Nook
• Sony Reader
Kindle eBook
• Mobi file format for Kindle
Read eBook
• Load eBook in browser
Text File eBook
• Computers
• Windows
• Mac

Review this book



Popular Genres
More Genres
Languages
Paid Books