Author Description

This volume contains the only known English version of Chrétien de Troyes's romance of the naïve knight Perceval, Sir Perceval of Galles. The work uses Perceval's ridiculous behavior as a late medieval satire of courtliness. Accompanying this tale is Ywain and Gawain, a translation of a second Chrétien poem, Le Chevalier au Lion. Unlike Sir Perceval, this poem extols the virtues of chivalry and honor. These complementary works form an excellent introduction to Middle English Arthurian romance, as they include editing, glosses, introductions, and a very helpful glossary for beginning students.