Sir Gawain and The Green Knight

by Harrison, Keith; Cooper, Helen

• ISBN13: 9780199540167
• ISBN10: 0199540160
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2008-01-01
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

'The finest translation in and for our time' (Kevin Crossley-Holland) Sir Gawain and The Green Knight, with its intricate plot of enchantment and betrayal is probably the most skilfully told story in the whole of the English Arthurian cycle. Originating from the north-west midlands of England, it is based on two separate and very ancient Celtic motifs of the Beheadingand the Exchange of Winnings, brought together by the anonymous 14th century poet. His telling comprehends a great variety of moods and modes - from the stark realism of the hunt-scenes to the delicious and dangerous bedroom encounters between Lady Bercilak and Gawain, from moments of pure lyricbeauty when he evokes the English countryside in all its seasons, to authorial asides that are full of irony and puckish humour. This new verse translation uses a modern alliterative pattern which subtly echoes the music of the original at the same time as it strives for fidelity.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Introduction

The poet

The romance background

The poem

The poetics of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

Translator's Note

Select Bibliography

Chronology

Explanatory

Notes

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.