Medieval Romance is a literary genre, written between the twelfth and fifteenth centuries, containing elements of chivalry and courtly love. The narratives generally portray a knight who performs heroic feats in an effort to impress and win the love of his lady. His journey is not merely one of heroism, but one of self-discovery. The settings are often, but not always, in Britain, typically within or near Camelot, the realm of the legendary King Arthur. Because of the shared setting and characters, the pathfinder will necessarily include Arthurian legends, as those written in the Middle Ages were often romances. The most recognizable author of this genre is Geoffrey Chaucer, but Chrétien de Troyes, a lesser known author, contributed more stories to the literary genre.
This pathfinder is designed as an introductory exploration of Medieval and Arthurian Romances, and will focus only on the French and English texts that are most commonly studied in medieval literature courses rather than the whole range of narrative possibilities that fall under the larger umbrella. The primary audience is undergraduate students at the University of Albany who have an interest in medieval literature, and therefore only materials available in the University's library are included. This pathfinder lists a range of sources from books to journals to websites and includes both reference and non-reference sources. All of the materials are in English.
These subject headings may be utilized when searching for reference material and books related to Medieval and Arthurian Romance. While they are most useful when searching online catalogs, the terms can also be used to search the Internet and indexing and abstracting resources.
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Browsing the library's stacks can be an excellent way of finding additional sources. Much of the material on Medieval and Arthurian Romances can be found in the following areas:
| UALB ULIB | PN 663-PN 6691 |
| UALB ULIB | PR 1851-2111 |
| UALB ULIB | PQ 1447-PQ 1550 |
The following is not intended to be an all-inclusive listing of the romance genre, but a listing of texts that students are most likely to encounter in medieval literature courses.
Béroul. The Romance of Tristan. Trans. Norris J. Lacy. Oxford: B. Blackwell, 1970. [UALB ULIB PQ 1537 A1 1939]
A translation of Beroul's twelfth century Tristan from the Old French. Discussion of the author is included, but since nothing is known of him (or them) the biography is limited. His literary style and historical (or legendary) influence are well surveyed. (Booknews.com)
Chaucer, Geoffrey. The Riverside Chaucer. 3rd ed. Ed. Larry D. Benson. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1987. [UALB ULIB PR 1851 B46 1987]
This edition provides the general information on Chaucer's life, language, and works that one needs for a first reading of Chaucer, and difficult words and constructions are glossed on the pages. The Appendix contains the materials, including the extensive notes and glossary, for a more thorough understanding of Chaucer's works. (B&N.com)
Chrétien de Troyes. Arthurian Romances. Trans. D.D. R. Owen. London: Dent, 1987. [UALB ULIB PQ 1447 E5 C6 1987]
This book is a welcome replacement, with enlargement, of W.W. Comfort's 1913 version. Owen's fresh and readable modern English prose, with its selective glossary and occasional notes, extends provision of the exact meaning to students, but will also attract the general reader. The volume contains all the works of the twelfth-century French poet who is regarded as the father of Arthurian romance: Erec and Enide, Cligés, Lancelot, and Yvain as well as Perceval. They constitute the main body of Arthurian romance upon which succeeding centuries have fed. (History Today)
Guillaume de Lorris and Jean de Meun. The Romance of the Rose. Trans. Charles Dahlberg. Princeton, N.J.: Princeton University Press, 1995. [UALB ULIB PQ 1528 A43 1995]
The original introduction by Dahlberg remains an excellent overview of the work, covering such topics as the iconographic significance of the imagery and the use of irony in developing the central theme of love. His new preface reviews selected scholarship through 1990 and beyond, which examines, for example, the sources and influences, the two authors, the nature of the allegorical narrative as a genre, the use of first person, and the poem's early reception. (From the Publisher)
Marie de France. The Lais of Marie de France. Trans. Glyn S. Burgess and Keith Busby. New York: Penguin Books, 1986. [UALB ULIB PQ 1494 L3 E5 1986]
The version of The Lais of Marie de France, translated by Glyn Burgess and Keith Busby, is a substantial collection of lays by Marie de France. Though little is known about the writer, Burgess and Busby provide a thorough presentation of the literary evidence relevant to the question of authorship. Furthermore, they discuss the literary history of previous compilations of Marie's lays, laying a broad foundation for even the amateur reader of medieval literature. (amazon.com)
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight : A New Verse Translation. Trans. W.S. Merwin. New York: Random House, 2002. [UALB ULIB PR 2065 G3 A35 2002]
Written down at least once in 1400 but probably composed earlier (and orally), this Middle English tale is rendered line-by-line, with the original en face, by the indefatigable Merwin. This approach allows the full flavor of the poem to come through as one goes back and forth between them: "Dele to me my destin‚, and do hit out of honde" becomes "Deal me my destiny, and do it out of hand." (Publishers Weekly)
Bibliographies are an excellent starting point when trying to find good books and prominent authors in a particular field. These bibliographies will lead you to more in-depth information and assist in your study. I have listed three relevant sources below. In addition, many of the other sources included in the pathfinder contain bibliographies also.
Arden, Heather. The Roman de la Rose: An Annotated Bibliography. New York: Garland, 1993. [UALB ULIB PQ 1530 Z999 A74 1993]
Students of medieval literature will welcome this learned and helpful bibliography of modern scholarship on The Roman de la Rose. Arden controls the varied critical literature very well, and her detailed, informative annotations of close to 800 individual contributions will make this a valuable aid for undergraduates and advanced students alike. The coverage is excellent and the annotations are of exceptionally high quality. (ARBA)
Bowers, Bege K. and Mark Allen. Annotated Chaucer Bibliography, 1986-1996. Notre Dame, Ind.: University of Notre Dame Press, 2002. [UALB ULIB PR 1905 Z999 B694 2002]
This useful book is the compilation of bibliographical information accumulated over eleven years (1986 -1996) in the annual publication of the New Chaucer Society, Studies in the Age of Chaucer. Features of this comprehensive work include an extensive subject index and a descriptive annotation for each entry that identifies the nature of the study and clarifies its utility or argument. These annotations are the work of a large number of scholars and have been carefully updated, corrected, and supplemented. (University of Notre Dame Press)
Burgess, Glyn S. Marie de France: An Analytical Bibliography. London: Grant and Cutler, 1977. [UALB ULIB PQ 1495 Z999 B87X]
The researcher can have confidence in this source's reliability, as well as find useful guidance in the analyses, particularly as some of the items may not be readily accessible. It contains bibliographies, editions and translations, a concordance, and books and articles, with comments provided on the nature and content of each item. In the case of articles, the comments are sometimes quite extensive: there is invariably a full account of the author's argument, while Burgess rightly adopts a fairly neutral role, presenting the arguments without intervening in most instances to evaluate them. Books include those in which there is some substantial reference to Marie, and reviews are also listed for major works devoted solely to her. This source also has two supplements that list sources from 1977 to 1996. However, these are not available in the University Library, but may be obtained through interlibrary loan. (Medium Aevum)
Coleman, Arthur. Epic and Romance Criticism: A Checklist of Interpretations, 1940-1972. New York: Watermill Publishers 1973. [UALB ULIB REF PN 56 E65 Z36]
This work includes 20,000 citations to English-language criticism, published between 1940 and 1973. It is arranged under the titles of the epics and romances. Volume One covers English and American epics and metrical romances and Volume Two covers classical and continental works. (Guide to Reference Materials)
Pickford, Cedric Edward and Rex Last, eds. The Arthurian Bibliography. 4 vols. Cambridge: D.S. Brewer, 1981. [UALB ULIB PN 685 Z999 P53X]
In 1981 the first Arthurian Bibliography appeared, an exhaustive alphabetical author-listing of all critical material recorded in the standard Arthurian bibliographies up to 1978. This was followed in 1983 by the second volume, giving full indexes by topic, key-word and individual work/author to form a complete subject-index of every topic in Arthurian literature. Summaries and reviews were also indicated where they existed. Arthurian Bibliography III updates this invaluable reference work for Arthurian scholars to 1992. (amazon.com)
Encyclopedias and subject dictionaries are among the best starting points for any research, especially if you know little or nothing about the topic. They usually provide useful background information and provide lists of sources that allow the user to begin further research. The following sources provide useful background information for the study of Medieval Romance. Several of these reference materials provide bibliographies and reading lists.
Bruce, Christopher W. The Arthurian Name Dictionary. New York: Garland, 1999. [UALB ULIB REF DA 152.5 A7 B78 1999]
The extremely invaluable New Arthurian Encyclopedia provides only 90 names, whereas this volume has more than 5,600. It makes for both a fascinating read and a very useful reference tool. The work consists mostly of names of major and minor characters, but there are also references to places, events, and things. Entries are fully cross-referenced with the excellent appendix on sources that lists not only author, title, and date but provides brief descriptions, some keywords, and a note on the text that was used. (Booklist)
Lacy, Norris, ed. The New Arthurian Encyclopedia. New York: Garland Pub., 1991. [UALB ULIB DA 152.5 A7 N48 1991 BldgOnly]
This completely revised and expanded edition is very impressive. Covering Arthurians of all periods, its entries range from the earliest written chronicles to contemporary fiction. The format has been changed from full-text to double columns; the illustrations, almost double the number from the first edition, have been carefully chosen and placed to augment entries and please the eye. The excellent selected bibliography has been expanded and updated to 1990s publications. (Library Journal)
Lambdin, R. T. and L.C. Lambdin, eds. Encyclopedia of Medieval Literature. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press, 2000. [UALB ULIB REF PN 669 E53 2000]
Entries are brief, informative, and include a definition and a description or plot outline. The short entries cover authors, specific works of literature, major historical figures, and major events. Bibliographies appearing at the end of each cite standard overviews and a wide variety of scholarly articles and subject-specific books. Cross-references are provided within entry text with an asterisk and are very consistent and unobtrusive. (Booklist)
Magill, Frank N., ed. Dictionary of World Biography. Vol. 2. The Middle Ages. Pasadena: Salem Press, 1998. [UALB ULIB REF CT 104 D54 1998 V. 2]
The articles in this volume range from 2,000 to 3,000 words, and follow a standard format-ready-reference information, a brief statement of the subject's contributions, early life, and life work, in addition to a summary that provides an overview of the individual's place in history. Each essay is supplemented by an annotated, evaluative bibliography. (ARBA)
Spence, Lewis. Dictionary of Medieval Romance and Romance Writers. New York: Humanities Press, 1962. [UALB ULIB PN 669 S6 1962]
Entries are includes for titles, characters and authors with detailed plot synopses under titles. This work covers British, Celtic and Western European Romances and contains a bibliography of the standard studies of Romances. (Guide to Reference Materials)
Strayer, Joseph R. ed. Dictionary of the Middle Ages. 13 vols. New York: Scribner, 1982. [UALB ULIB REF D 114 D5 1982]
The dictionary represents an enormous collaborative effort bringing together some of the ablest scholars, whose work encompasses a broad geographic area within the medieval timeframe. Brief definitions as well as lengthy articles on art, language and literature, history, politics, philosophy and religion are included. Bibliographies, especially for the longer articles, are critical and evaluative. The chief merit lies in its ready accessibility to the student seeking summary treatments as well as to the scholar pursuing more specialized research. (ARBA)
Weever, Jacqueline de. A Chaucer Name Dictionary: A Guide to Astrological, Biblical, Historical, Literary, and Mythological Names in the Works of Geoffrey Chaucer. New York: Garland Pub., 1988. [UALB ULIB PR 1903 D4 1988 BldgOnly]
This is the most comprehensive and "user-friendly" dictionary and concordance to proper names in the works of Chaucer available today. It gives clear and detailed definitions for each proper name, with explanations of the contexts for each occurrence of the word in Chaucer's works. Entries are listed in alphabetical order. (Speculum)
Handbooks are specialized resources that can provide information specifically about a single topic. This source is easy to use and provides detailed descriptions of characters and geographical locations relevant to Arthurian Romances.
Lacy, Norris and Geoffrey Ashe. The Arthurian Handbook. 2nd ed. New York: Garland, 1988. [UALB ULIB PN 685 L3 1988]
This extensively revised second edition has a new layout, more illustrations, updating of references and of coverage of modern Arthurian texts and films, and a reworked chapter on the visual arts. The opening chronology (to the 1990s) and variant genealogical tables serve as a point of first recourse for Arthurian scholars. (Medium Aevum)
In addition to reference sources, there are books dedicated entirely to the history and criticism of Medieval Romance. These scholarly works provide broad coverage of the literary genre, including discussions of the common themes of chivalry, knighthood and courtly love. I have also included some books with a narrower focus on a specific author or text.
Barron, W.R.J. English Medieval Romances. London: Longman, 1987. [UALB ULIB PR 321 B37 1987]
A survey of medieval romances written in English in eight chapters, followed by a chronology of the Middle Ages from 1066 to 1547. The work also includes an extensive bibliography of editions and studies with accompanying annotations. (Guide to Reference Materials)
Duggan, Joseph, J. The Romances of Chrétien de Troyes. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2001. [UALB ULIB PQ 1448 D84 2001]
Twelfth-century French poet Chrétien de Troyes was one of the most influential figures in Western literature, for his romantic poems on the legend of King Arthur gave rise to a tradition of storytelling that continues to this day. This book is a study of the work of 12th-century French poet, setting it within the social and intellectual currents of its time. The book is organized in chapters that focus on major issues in Chrétien's romances, such as kinship or moral responsibility, rather than on individual works. (Yale University Press)
Kelly Douglas. Medieval French Romance. New York: Twayne, 1993. [UALB ULIB PQ 201 K46 1993]
A broad survey of the many branches and subgenres of romance from the 12th to the 16th century, including the evolution and adaptation and characteristics of lays, chronicles, epics, chansons de geste, allegory, and other prose and verse forms. Also explores the cultural contexts and purposes of the works. (Book News)
Kelly, Douglas, ed. The Romances of Chrétien de Troyes: A Symposium. Lexington, KY.: French Forum, 1985. [UALB ULIB PQ 1448 R66 1985]
This volume will not revolutionize studies of the French poet or the romance genre, but it significantly advances the revolution begun some years ago. The chapters are unified by the authors' assumption that Chrétien de Troyes was a highly self-conscious writer who frequently offered reflections on his own works and on the romancer's craft. Students and admirers of Chrétien's work will find this series of essays essential reading. (Speculum)
Loomis, Roger Sherman. The Development of Arthurian Romance. London: Hutchinson University Library, 1963. [UALB ULIB PN 685 L62]
Examines the evolution of the great mass of fiction surrounding the Arthurian legend in Western literature-from Geoffrey of Monmouth's History of the Kings of Britain to Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian stories, and such English masterpieces as Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Le Morte d'Arthur. Painstakingly researched and brimming with scholarly insight, this highly readable and entertaining work will be a favorite with general audiences as well as scholars and students of the Arthurian legend. (B&N.com)
Phillips, Helen. An Introduction to the `Canterbury Tales': Reading Fiction, Context. New York: St Martin's Press, 2000. [UALB ULIB PR 1874 P48 2000]
Helen Phillips's work is explicitly designed for students approaching the Canterbury Tales for the first time, and they should find it both illuminating and easy to read. The interpretation of certain tales by specific schools of criticism is also addressed, allowing students to see the influence that movements such as New Historicist criticism have had on the interpretation of Chaucer. The bibliography is relatively well stocked with material published through the 1990s, indicating the potential value of this guide as an update of earlier studies of the Canterbury Tales in terms of introducing current writers and critical issues. (Medium Aevum)
Brewer, Derek and Jonathan Gibson, eds. A Companion to the Gawain-poet. Rochester, NY: D.S. Brewer, 1997. [UALB ULIB PR 1972 G53 C66 1997]
The twenty-six new items they bring together offer plenty that is rewarding and worthwhile, predictably in recent areas of inquiry (the materials of culture, gender, anthropology; in particular Jane Gilbert on sexual transgression, Felicity Riddy on jewels, and Derek Pearsall on shame and embarrassment), but also in more traditional areas. Putter, one contributor, aims `to make all four poems accessible to students by setting the poet and his works in their relevant historical and cultural context.' (Medium Aevum)
Journals are an excellent way to find the latest articles and to keep track of current trends in a particular field. I have included two of the most accessible periodical relevant to Medieval literature and Arthurian Romance.
Arthurian Literature. Totawa, N.J.: Rowman and Littlefield, 1981-. Annual. [UALB ULIB PN 685 A68X]
This excellent journal shows excellent range and variety being achieved by a small number of long articles on a single theme. Typically one text or a single motif that is common to some medieval texts is discussed in great depth in each volume. The contributors are well-known scholars in the field. (Review of English Studies)
Modern Language Review. Cambridge: Modern Humanities Research Association, 1905-. Quarterly. [UALB ULIB Per PB 1 M65]
This journal publishes articles and reviews on medieval and modern European literature. It encompasses English, French, Germanic, Hispanic and Italian literatures. Articles are scholarly, yet on the whole, accessible and 10-20 pages in length. Approximately one-half of every issue is dedicated to book reviews. (Magazines for Libraries)
To find related information, look in the indexes listed below under such topics as Medieval Romances or Arthurian Romances. You can also search for texts about a specific author, such as Geoffrey Chaucer or a particular text, such as Troilus and Criseyde. Some databases contain only citations and abstracts of articles while other offer full-text coverage. All electronic databases listed below can be accessed through the SUNY Albany Library home page. (library.albany.edu/databases/search.asp)
EBSCO Academic Search Premier. EBSCO Publishing.
The world's largest academic multi-disciplinary database, Academic Search Premier provides full text for more than 3,800 scholarly publications, including full text for nearly 2,800 peer-reviewed journals. Coverage spans virtually every area of academic study and offers information dating as far back as 1975. This database is updated on a daily basis.
Humanities Abstracts.
This database indexes periodicals in archaeology, art, classics, film, folklore, journalism, linguistics, music, the performing arts, philosophy, religion, world history, and world literature. Abstracts are available for most articles after 1994. It is updated monthly.
JSTOR - The Scholarly Journal Archive. The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.
This database provides citations and full text to journal articles in the discipline of language and literature. The journals indexed in this subject area which are most relevant to Medieval and Arthurian Romance are Speculum, Review of English Studies, Modern Language Journal, MLN, Modern Philology, and French Review. A search for either Medieval Romance or Arthurian Romance will yield about 200 results.
MLA Bibliography.
This database is produced by the Modern Language Association and consists of bibliographic records pertaining to literature, language, linguistics, and folklore. It draws on scholarly research in over 3,000 journals and series, covering relevant monographs, working papers, proceedings, bibliographies, and other formats. A search of English language materials about Arthurian Romance yields over 200 results.
This print index is also useful for finding information on Arthurian Romances.
Ruck, E. H. An Index of Themes and Motifs in Twelfth-Century French Arthurian Poetry. Rochester, NY: D.S. Brewer, 1991. [UALB ULIB OVER (*) PQ 203.5 A77 R83 1991]
This work analyzes not only recognized literary themes in Arthurian literature, but also everyday motifs such as weaponry. It covers all four Tristan poems, all the works of Chrétien de Troyes and several other poems. (Guide to Reference Books)
One can easily go astray in cyberspace just as a knight may lose sight of his quest when distracted by damsels in distress. Listed below are ten websites with significant information about Medieval and Arthurian Romance. These websites range from online bibliographies to full-text romances and character descriptions to reviews and critiques.
Arthurian Legend Page
The author traces the development of the Arthurian Legends from its origin to its 20th century usage. The site's purpose is to analyze the role of women such as Guinevere and Morgan Le Fay in the legends. The page explains Arthur's actions as reactions to the women's actions. Collver has created a comprehensive site that discusses the changing role of women in Arthurian Legends.
Arthurian Legend: A Core Collection Bibliograpy
This site provides an extensive bibliography for sources relating to Arthurian Legend. The site is no longer maintained and therefore sources after 1996 will need to be found elsewhere, but it is a good place to start researching the topic.
Arthurian Texts, Images, Bibliographies, and Basic Information
The Camelot Project is associated with the University of Rochester and therefore may be considered a reputable source for Arthurian Romance information. The content is similar to the Britannia page in that it focuses on both the legend and the history of Arthur. It provides full text for some of the writings about King Arthur.
Encyclopedia Mythica
This site is a great starting point for those who know little about Medieval Romance or Arthurian Legend. It allows the user to search for specific characters and provides detailed sketches of the most relevant ones. The page is updated on a regular basis.
King Arthur: History and the Arthurian Legend
This is wide in scope as it covers both Arthur the legend and Arthur the historical figure. There are also pages for individual characters and figures in both legend and history. It is updated regularly and is easy to navigate. It also allows the user to search within the site for a particular term or character.
The Geoffrey Chaucer Page
This site provides interlinear translations of some of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, including The Knight's Tale, The Wife of Bath's Tale and The Franklin's Tale. Related subjects, such as courtly love and life and manners of the Middle Ages, are also included. It also provides some full-text critical articles and numerous bibliographies for different tales and subjects.
King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
Covering both the historical and legendary figure of King Arthur, the site provides detailed summaries of all of the main characters of Arthurian legend and history as well as important landmarks like Stonehenge and structures such as the Round Table. The site provides a fairly comprehensive array of materials regarding King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.
King Arthur: A Man for the Ages
This site explores the popular conception of King Arthur, Guinevere, the noble knights, the Round Table, Excalibur and numerous other figures and structures present in Arthurian legend and Medieval Romance as well as the scholarly conception of Arthur as a war leader in post-Roman Britain fighting against the Saxons. The site's design makes comparisons between the history of King Arthur and the legends possible and readily available.
The Labryrinth: Resources for Medieval Studies
Timeless Myths: Arthurian Legends
This is a great page full of information about Arthur and literary characters like Merlin and Guinevere that are closely associated with the king, as well as the authors of Medieval and Arthurian Romances. The page is also updated fairly regularly.
