French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France is a collection of captivating tales that transport the reader to a world of knights, chivalry, and courtly love. Written by Marie de France in the 12th century, these romances are a window into the culture and values of medieval France.

The stories are beautifully written, with intricate plots and vivid descriptions that bring the characters and settings to life. From forbidden love affairs to heroic quests, each story is a journey into a different aspect of medieval society. Marie de France's writing is both lyrical and evocative, drawing the reader in with her poetic language and timeless themes.

One of the most striking aspects of these romances is the portrayal of women as strong, independent figures who play an active role in the stories. Marie de France gives her female characters agency and complexity, challenging traditional gender roles of the time.

Overall, French Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de France is a delightful read for anyone interested in medieval literature, romance, or French history. Marie de France's timeless tales continue to captivate readers centuries after they were first written, making this collection a true classic of the genre.

Book Description:
The tales included in this little book of translations are derived mainly from the "Lays" of Marie de France. I do not profess them to be a complete collection of her stories in verse. The ascription varies. Poems which were included in her work but yesterday are withdrawn to-day, and new matter suggested by scholars to take the place of the old. I believe it to be, however, a far fuller version of Marie's "Lays" than has yet appeared, to my knowledge, in English. Marie's poems are concerned chiefly with love. To complete my book I have added two famous mediaeval stories on the same excellent theme. This, then, may be regarded as a volume of French romances, dealing, generally, with one aspect of mediaeval life.