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Troilus and Criseyde

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( 7,090 ratings, 359 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Troilus and Criseyde is a medieval romance that tells the story of Troilus, a Trojan prince, who falls in love with the beautiful widow Criseyde during the Trojan War. Their love affair is marked by a series of joys and challenges, as external circumstances and the complexities of love influence their fate. Chaucer weaves themes of love, destiny, and fortune in this poetic exploration of heartfelt romance and tragedy.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate classic literature that combines romance, tragedy, and historical elements set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Chaucer's poetic narrative explores the complexities of love and fate, making it a timeless tale for those who enjoy richly written, character-driven stories with cultural and historical depth.

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Set during the tenth year of the siege of Troy, this poem relates how Troilus persuades Crisyede to become his lover, only to be forced apart by the events of war. This edition contains an introduction that places the poem in the context of its times, with notes and appendices.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Chaucer's tale of fragile love against the backdrop of war

Set against the epic backdrop of the battle of Troy, Troilus and Criseyde is an evocative story of love and loss. When Troilus, the son of Priam, falls in love with the beautiful Criseyde, he is able to win her heart with the help of his cunning uncle Pandarus, and the lovers experience a brief period of bliss together.

But the pair are soon forced apart by the inexorable tide of war andβ€”despite their oath to remain faithfulβ€”Troilus is ultimately betrayed. Regarded by many as the greatest love poem of the Middle Ages, Troilus and Criseyde skilfully combines elements of comedy and tragedy to form an exquisite meditation on the fragility of romantic love, and the fallibility of humanity.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Troilus and Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer has been praised for its rich and nuanced portrayal of romantic and tragic themes set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Critics often commend Chaucer's poetic style and ability to convey deep emotion and introspection. Considered a cornerstone of medieval literature, its exploration of love, fate, and fortune continues to resonate with modern readers.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780140442397

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 26 August 2004

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Nevill Coghill

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 16.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 255g

Pages: 368

About the Author

Geoffrey Chaucer was born in London, the son of a vintner around 1342. He is known to have been a page to the Countess of Ulster in 1357 and Edward III valued him highly enough to pay a part of his ransom in 1360, after he had been captured fighting in France. It is probably in France that Chaucer became interested in poetry; he bagan to translate the Roman de la Rose and became interested in Boccaccio on trips to Italy. The order of his works is uncertain but they include The Book of the Duchess, The Canterbury Tales and The Parliament of Fowls. He died in 1400 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Nevill Coghill held many appointments at Oxford University, where he was Merton Professor of English Literature from 1957 to 1966. He wrote several books on English Literature and was particularly interested in Shakespearean drama. His translation of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales is also published by Penguin Classics and is an enduring bestseller. He died in November 1980.

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