Description
Book SynopsisGuide to the works of the twelfth-century chronicler Wace, setting him in his historical and cultural context. The twelfth-century writer Wace is best known for his two influential works on the history of England (the Roman de Brut) and on the history of the Normans (the Roman de Rou), but despite this he has, until recently,been neglected. This book aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all his surviving works, including his hagiographical pieces, La Vie de sainte Marguerite, la Vie de saint Nicolas and La Conception Nostre Dame.Beginning with an examination of the historical and textual background necessary to an informed understanding of the poet, it moves on to discuss the manuscript tradition of each of Wace's poems, together with the sources that underlie each text, highlighting the additions, omissions and modifications made by the poet in adapting his material for new, non-Latinate audience. Particular attention is given to Wace's swan-song, the Roman de Rou, wherehis skill in combining history and romance is most clearly revealed. Dr F. H. M. Le Saux teaches in the Department of French at the University of Reading.
Trade ReviewThis meticulous, judicious, thorough, and clearly written book will be the natural starting point for anyone embarking on study of any of Wace's works, but it will also be very helpful to scholars of Anglo-Norman culture, translation and vernacularization. * ARTHURIANA *
Provides a definitive reading of the Brut while illuminating Wace's other literary contributions. [...] An indispensable examination of Wace's surviving texts. [Future] studies will need to start with A Companion to Wace. * SPECULUM *
Thorough and well-organized. Like a good companion, it travels alongside the reader though the poet's corpus, leading to an enhanced understanding of Wace's methodology and a deeper appreciation of his skill. * FRENCH REVIEW *
An indispensable and friendly guide. * ENGLISH *
[This] admirable volume is everything its title implies: a handbook, a summa, and a guidebook. [...] As a readable and informative statement of the present position of Wace studies it would be hard to beat. * MEDIUM AEVUM, 2006 *
Offers a careful and comprehensive treatment. This appealing book will be useful to those interested not only in Wace but also in medieval literature and culture in general. Recommended. * CHOICE *
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Wace: his life and times La Vie de sainte Marguerite La Conception Nostre Dame La Vie de saint Nicolas Manuscripts, sources and adaptation principles Britain, Rome and the House of Constantine King Arthur and the passage of dominion The ancestors of William the Conqueror William II of Normandy The aftermath of Hastings
