The adventures of Huon of Bordeaux have been perennial favorites since their first appearance in the thirteenth century as a French chanson de geste. Within decades there were spin-offs and a prequel. The story was reprinted, popularized, and translated from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century. It became a staple of children’s literature as well as the basis for theatrical and operatic works. By the twentieth century, it had become the inspiration for fantasy writers.
Jones and Kibler’s verse translation sings with grace, humor, and wit. For both teaching and for pure literary enjoyment, this first modern English translation of Huon of Bordeaux will be a major complement to the corpus of medieval French epic literature.
“Huon of Bordeaux is on a much higher level. We do not feel that it is simply being made up out of the author’s head. It has its roots in legend and folklore, without which it is hard for romance to have the necessary solidity.”
— C. S. Lewis
First modern English translation.
Introduction, notes, bibliography,
glossary, and list of characters.
354 pp.
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