This is the most complete and beautiful version of Joseph Bedier's classic ever to appear in English. It includes Gaston Paris' original Preface, Bedier's historic essay "On the Nature of the Legend of Tristan and Iseult", and Vincent Nicolosi's Introduction, which sheds light on the tale's Celtic nature and origins. Joseph Bedier published "Le Roman de Tristan et Iseut" in 1900 in Paris.
A few years later, Hilaire Belloc introduced the English-speaking world to this marvellous tale - or rather part of this tale. One shortcoming of Belloc's otherwise compelling and exquisite translation is that he omitted, suppressed, so very much - in fact, four chapters, either in their entirety or in part, along with a scattering of sections, phrases, and single words. Some of Belloc's omissions were inexplicable, though he obviously found certain passages too steamy and indelicate.
Now, Fonthill Press makes available the most complete, exquisite, and definitive edition of Joseph Bedier's "The Romance of Tristan and Iseult" to ever appear in the English language.
