The Lais of Marie de France (Royal Collector’s Edition) (Case Laminate Hardcover with Jacket)

The Lais of Marie de France is a series of twelve short narrative Breton lais. The short, narrative poems focus on glorifying the concept of courtly love through the adventures of the main characters. They are notable for their celebration of love, the individuality of character, and vividness of description, hallmarks of the emerging literature of the times. The poems were originally written in Anglo-Norman and were likely composed in the late 12th century. They are dedicated to a “noble king,” which is assumed to be Henry II of England or possibly his eldest son, Henry the Young King. The Lais of Marie de France had a huge impact on the literary world. They were considered a new type of literary technique derived from classical rhetoric and imbued with such detail that they became a new form of art. This case laminate collector’s edition includes a Victorian-inspired dust jacket.