The present edition of Van den vos Reynaerde with its translation into English on facing pages hopes to bridge the gap between this thirteenth-century text and non-Dutch readers. They are likely to find it as fresh and entertaining as it was when it was first written. It will enable them to get acquainted with, for example, the author’s composition technique, his lively style, his preference for striking descriptive details, his wit and his deeply cynical outlook on life. Text and translation are accompanied by explanatory notes (to be found at the bottom of the page). A glossary, short introduction to Middle Dutch and suggestions for further reading conclude this volume. First, however, this introduction will discuss the literary tradition of the medieval beast epic and facts known about the author. It will also provide a brief summary and note major features of the tale, the implied audience and the transmission and reception of the work. - [Authors]

Based on manuscript Württembergische Landesbibliothek, Cod.poet. et phil.fol.22.

Language: English