My lords, if you would hear a high tale of love and of death, here is that of Tristan and Queen Iseult; how to their full joy, but to their sorrow also, they loved each other, and how at last they died of that love together upon one day; she by him and he by her. Long ago, when Mark was King over Cornwall, Rivalen, King of Lyonesse, heard that Mark's enemies waged war on him; so he crossed the sea to bring him aid; and so faithfully did he serve him with counsel and sword that Mark gave him his sister Blanchefleur, whom King Rivalen loved most marvelously. . . . This book by M. Joseph Bedier, originally in French Le Roman de Tristan et Iseut was crowned by the French Academy. It was translated and published in English in 1913 by George Allen & Company, Ltd. of London, and it's a heck of a book; if you have an interest in things Arthurian or in French literature of the period that gave us things like impressionism, you need to read this now.

In 'The Romance of Tristan and Iseult', Joseph Bédier presents a timeless narrative, capturing the essence of courtly love that has been a cornerstone of Western literature since the medieval period. Bédier's rendition, an amalgamation of various medieval sources, is wrought with poetic eloquence and a palpable intensity that resonates with the chivalric ideals of its era. The meticulous care in preserving the literary style and context is apparent as Bédier weaves a tale of passion, betrayal, and the inevitable tragedy of its eponymous protagonists—a tale that has become emblematic of the Arthurian literary canon.nJoseph Bédier, a preeminent scholar of medieval literature, has deftly reimagined this classic myth through his academic expertise and narrative prowess. His scholarly dedication to authenticity and fidelity to the spirit of the original saga reflects not only his commitment to historical linguistic precision but also a nuanced understanding of the period's cultural dynamics. With an authoritative voice, Bédier draws from the wellspring of legends to re-tell a story that, while ancient, remains profoundly relevant in its exploration of the human heart.nBook lovers and enthusiasts of legendary narratives will find 'The Romance of Tristan and Iseult' a compelling addition to their collection. Bédier's scholarly approach offers readers a portal into the valorous and tortured world of knightly romance. This DigiCat edition, with its commitment to the preservation of literature's heritage, provides an excellent conduit for contemporary audiences to experience an enduring literary masterpiece that transcends the bounds of its medieval origins, speaking to the timeless nature of love and sorrow.

The first English language translation of Bédiers classic work in nearly seventy years, this volume is the only edition that provides ancillary materials to help the reader understand the history of the legend and Bédier's method in creating his classic retelling.

He is a divinely handsome young man, valiant and fiercely loyal to his uncle who adopted and nurtured him from the time he was an abandoned orphan. She is the ethereally beautiful princess of a faraway country, betrothed to the middle-aged uncle. They meet when the young man is sent as an emissary to her country to bring her back for the grand wedding. On board the ship, the two fall tragically in love. Tristan and Iseult by Joseph Bedier is a retelling of an ancient legend which has been popular for nearly eight hundred years! The origins of the story are lost in the mists of time, but scholars reckon that it is based on a Persian epic poem called Vis O Ramin, composed by the Persian poet Asad Gorgani in the 11th century. This itself was based on oral traditions which existed since the first century. Whatever the origin, the poignant story of doomed lovers captured the imagination of writers, musicians, playwrights, poets and artists all over the world and gave rise to wonderful works of literature and art. Joseph Bedier was a classical scholar and professor of Medieval Literature at the University de Faubourg, Switzerland. Due to his concerted efforts, interest was revived in ancient French texts and legends. Tristan and Iseult was published in 1909 and it firmly established his great reputation as a writer and a scholar. It was translated into English by Hilaire Belloc and Paul Rosenfeld. Other translations included Cornish, German, Italian and many other languages. Tristan and Iseult tells the story of a Cornish knight, Tristan, who travels to Ireland to bring back the lovely princess Iseult for his uncle Mark to marry. En route, the two young people fall in love. Some legends have it that the lovers mistakenly ingested a love potion that made them fall eternally and irrevocably in love. When they reach their destination, Iseult marries King Mark but continues her affair. When the secret is discovered, the lovers are condemned for adultery. They are sentenced to death, but conspire to escape. There are various versions of the end of this story - Some end in tragedy with both dying, while others have them escaping, begging the king for forgiveness and living happily ever after. Whatever the outcome, the story has had an indelible impact on Western romantic and tragic traditions. It was also incorporated into Arthurian legends...

Joseph B√©dier's "The Romance of Tristan and Iseult" serves as a masterful retelling of the enduring medieval legend that captures the complexities of love, loyalty, and tragedy. B√©dier's literary style showcases his adeptness at weaving lyrical prose with rich imagery, effectively resurrecting the spirit of the medieval chivalric tradition while employing modern sensibilities. This rendition is notable for its emphasis on emotional depth and psychological nuance, exploring the tumultuous relationship between the star-crossed lovers amidst a backdrop of betrayal and destiny. B√©dier meticulously sifts through various sources, selecting and amalgamating elements that highlight the pivotal themes of love's duality and the hero's internal struggle, thereby situating the text within the continuum of European romantic literature. Joseph B√©dier (1864'Äì1938), a French philologist and literary scholar, was deeply influenced by his fascination with medieval literature and folklore. His scholarly background informed his approach to this work, as he sought to distill the essence of the legend of Tristan and Iseult, drawing on earlier texts while infusing it with contemporary relevance. B√©dier'Äôs commitment to the art of storytelling and his understanding of the cultural contexts of his subjects allowed him to create a work that transcends its time, presenting a timeless reflection on love's perils. For readers enamored by tales of passionate love steeped in myth and tragedy, B√©dier's "The Romance of Tristan and Iseult" is an indispensable addition to the canon of romantic literature. Its lyrical prose invites reflection on the nature of love and sacrifice, while offering insights into the human condition. This retelling not only entertains but also enriches the reader's understanding of its historical and cultural significance, making it a vital read for literary enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Dans ce livre, Joseph Bédier recueille des témoignages de soldats allemands impliqués dans les atrocités commises pendant la Première Guerre mondiale. Cette analyse unique apporte un éclairage nouveau sur la psychologie des tortionnaires et sur la propagande de guerre. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.