Complete Story of the Grail: Chretien de Troyes' <I>Perceval</I> and its continuations

The first ever translation of Chrétien de Troyes' poem and its four Continuations, which are finally attracting the scholarly attention they deserve. The translation includes Chrétien's original text, the anonymous First Continuation, the Second Continuation attributed to Wauchier de Denain, and the Third and Fourth Continuations by Manessier and Gerbert de Montreuil. Two other poets were drawn to create preludes explaining the background to Chrétien's story, and their works are also included.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 634 pages
Publication date: 10 April 2018
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The enigmatic and captivating Grail makes its debut in literary discourse in the late twelfth century through the narrative of Perceval in Chrétien de Troyes' Perceval. However, Chrétien's poetic endeavor remained unfinished, leaving an untold tale and an incomplete portrayal of the Grail. Despite its allure, the idea persisted, captivating the minds of numerous writers who embarked on the continuation and completion of his unfinished poem. The Complete Story of the Grail stands as the inaugural translation of the entirety of the rich tapestry of narratives woven within Chrétien's poem and its four Continuations. These Continuations, long overdue for scholarly recognition, have finally garnered the attention they merit. In addition to Chrétien's original text, this translation presents the anonymous First Continuation, attributed to Wauchier de Denain, the Second Continuation by Wauchier de Denain, and the intriguing Third and Fourth Continuations, likely composed simultaneously without knowledge of each other's work, by Manessier and Gerbert de Montreuil. Furthermore, two other poets were enlisted to craft preludes that provide context to Chrétien's narrative, and their works, The Elucidation Prologue and Bliocadran, are also included in this rendition. Only in the complete form of The Story of the Grail can the reader fully appreciate the remarkable narrative prowess and inventive spirit of the medieval poets, as well as their profound and unexpected interpretations of Chrétien's central theme, particularly their emphasis on the knight as a crusader. Moreover, it is worth noting that Chrétien's original poem was frequently replicated alongside one or more of the Continuations, thus reflecting how most medieval readers would have encountered this literary masterpiece.

Nigel Bryant's meticulous preface offers valuable insights into the historical and literary context of the Grail narratives, shedding light on the social, political, and religious milieu of the late medieval period. Bryant's expertise in medieval literature and his meticulous translation work ensure that readers are presented with a faithful and accessible rendition of these ancient tales. The Complete Story of the Grail is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the enduring fascination with the Grail legend. It invites readers to embark on a journey through the rich tapestry of medieval literature, exploring the depths of imagination, heroism, and religious devotion that characterized this era.

Weight: 1134g
Dimension: 184 x 246 x 38 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843844983