Simon Gaunt Book order

The first book in English to examine one of the most important and influential texts from a literary perspective.

The Song of Roland offers fascinating insights into medieval ideas about heroism, manhood, religion, race, & nationhood which were foundational for modern European culture. It is the oldest known surviving major work of French literature based on the Battle of Roncevaux in 778, during the reign of Charlemagne.

This groundbreaking work offers a literary analysis of a significant and influential text, marking the first comprehensive examination in English. It delves into the text's themes, narrative techniques, and its impact on literature, providing readers with a deeper understanding of its importance in the literary canon. The book is essential for scholars and enthusiasts seeking to explore the nuances and implications of this pivotal work.

Focusing on five early troubadours, this book delves into their poetic contributions and the use of irony within their works. It explores how these medieval poets shaped the landscape of lyrical expression and the cultural context of their time. Through a detailed analysis, it uncovers the subtleties of their themes, the interplay of humor and seriousness, and the impact of their artistry on subsequent literature. The examination sheds light on the evolution of troubadour poetry and its lasting influence.

This study analyzes the interplay of ideology and gender in Old French and Occitan literature across five genres, including chansons de geste and courtly romance. Simon Gaunt offers fresh interpretations of both famous and lesser-known texts, using contemporary feminist theory to explore constructions of masculinity and femininity in medieval literature.