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Penguin

The Lais of Marie de France (Penguin Classics)

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Description

The leading edition of the work of the earliest known French woman poet—the subject of Lauren Groff’s bestselling novel Matrix Marie de France (fl. late twelfth century) is the earliest known French woman poet and her lais—stories in verse based on Breton tales of chivalry and romance—are among the finest of the genre. Recounting the trials and tribulations of lovers, the lais inhabit a powerfully realized world where very real human protagonists act out their lives against fairy-tale elements of magical beings, potions and beasts. De France takes a subtle and complex view of courtly love, whether telling the story of the knight who betrays his fairy mistress or describing the noblewoman who embroiders her sad tale on the shroud for a nightingale killed by a jealous and suspicious husband. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators. Read more

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Penguin Classics; 2nd edition (June 1, 1999)


Language ‏ : ‎ English


Paperback ‏ : ‎ 164 pages


ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0140447598


ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 90


Reading age ‏ : ‎ 18 years and up


Grade level ‏ : ‎ 12 and up


Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.31 pounds


Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches


Best Sellers Rank: #93,730 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #28 in Classic Greek Literature #94 in Ancient & Classical Poetry #6,613 in Literary Fiction (Books)


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Top Amazon Reviews

    • Nice copy of a classic
I had to have a copy of this for college and it did the job well. Interesting story!
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2024 by Jake Sharbutt
    • charming old romances
This is a wonderful collection of old old Breton tales written into poems by Marie de France in the 12th century. Who exactly Marie was is a bit of an enigma, as the introduction to the book explains. But she was unquestionably a gifted writer: her lais, written to entertain courtly audiences, vary colourfully one from another, and positively sparkle with romance, passion, and wit. Mostly they tell of grand loves between courtly young men and comely noble maidens, and there is some great obstacle to overcome. Some endings are happy, others tragic; there is always a great test of the spirit, with notions of loyalty, honesty, honour, and true love playing into the mix. The scenes when lovers get together can be downright ... (in a subtle medieval sort of way). The translation puts the poems into prose, though the language remains poetic. Altogether, you can see why these gems of stories have lasted 800+ years. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2002 by m-starr
    • Good edition
There’s a 30 page introduction and a 2 page translators’ note. Good translation of the prologue and 12 lais. Includes a 6 page bibliography, an Index of Proper Names, and last but not least the Old French text of three of the lais: Lanval, Laüstic, and Chèvrefoil.
Reviewed in the United States on December 25, 2022 by Robert G
    • Came Quickly
Needed this book for class, came in a good amount of time.
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021 by Alana G
    • The French Renaissance of the 12th Century.
Before the famous Italian Renaissance, you could speak of a French Renaissance in the 12th century as far as literature is concerned. In Southern France there were the Troubadours, singers and poets, often part of the nobility or their entourage. In the North of France you had Chretien de Troyes and his Arthurian romances and the Lais of Marie de France, to name only two of the most important. The 'Roman de la Rose' was written in the 13th cent. but is probably the most important masterwork of the French Renaissance. About the person of Marie de France almost nothing is known for certain.Her 'Lais' - stories about romance or adventure - are based upon the popular and folkloristic tales that already existed for centuries in Bretagne - a region close to where the Atlantic meets the North-Sea. These stories were handed down from generation to generation by story tellers. The Lais of Marie de France excel by diversity. There are love stories - of course - but also vivid descriptions of tournaments and even a story about a werewolf. Marie de France proofs that medieval literature can be entertaining. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on May 18, 2006 by Jan Dierckx
    • Enlightening view of Medieval Times
I didn't expect to like this as much as I did. Often humorous, this book demonstrates various aspects of Medieval times that I was oblivious to before reading it. Certainly worth the money.
Reviewed in the United States on September 9, 2018 by My Terrier is a Terror
    • Courtly love in the twelfth century
Review Image by Clover Girl Clover Girl
Review Image by Clover Girl Clover Girl
A fascinating glimpse into the world of courtly love in the twelfth century. An easy, enjoyable read. The lengthy introduction provides useful context.
Reviewed in the United States on March 29, 2022 by Clover Girl Clover Girl
    • Nice book.
Bought for class but was pleasantly surprised. It’s a great read, with lovely little love tales.
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2021 by Jenelle's Honest Thoughts

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