Sir Perceval of Galles and Ywain and Gawain

This volume contains the only known English version of Chretien de Troyes’s romance of the naive knight Perceval, Sir Perceval of Galles. The work uses Perceval’s ridiculous behavior as a late medieval satire of courtliness. Accompanying this tale is Ywain and Gawain, a translation of a second Chretien poem, Le Chevalier au lion. Unlike Sir Perceval, this poem extols the virtues of chivalry and honor. These complementary works form an excellent introduction to Middle English Arthurian romance, as they include editing, glosses, introductions, and a very helpful glossary for beginning students.