Chretien de Troyes was the most influential Arthurian writer of the twelfth century, and his verse romances — composed at the court of Champagne in Old French around 1170-1190 — established many of the narrative conventions and characters that define the Arthurian tradition today. This collection of four romances, rendered here in English translation, includes tales of Erec, Cliges, Yvain, and Lancelot.
This text is written in English translation from the original Old French. Readers interested in the origins of Arthurian literature — from Lancelot’s courtly love to the earliest Grail allusions — will find Chretien’s romances essential. Download this free EPUB from Better Gutenberg to explore one of medieval literature’s founding monuments.