Orality and Performance in Early French Romance

Discussion of the importance of oral and performance traditions in the history of early Frence romance.This book proposes a fundamental revision of the history of early French romance, arguing that oral and performed traditions were far more important in the development of romance than scholars have recognised. It begins by dealingwith issues of orality and literacy, and argues that the form in which romances were composed was not the invention of clerics but was, rather, an oral form. It shows how early versions of the Tristan story, by Béroul, Thomas andMarie de France, express the complex interplay between oral and written traditions, then goes on to focus in greater depth on Benoît de Sainte-Maure, Chrétien and the anonymous author of the Roman de Thèbes. The second part of the book looks at performance, showing that romances such as those of Chrétien invited voiced presentation; moreover, they were frequently recitd from memory, sung, and acted out in "dramatic" fashion. Romances can, and should, still be performed today. EVELYN BIRGE VITZ is Professor of French and Comparative Literature at New York University.

An invitation to reintroduce the excitement of the human voice in our reading of medieval romances, and to respond to them creatively. As such it is to be welcomed., A book that needed to be written, on questions that needed a fresh examination. In short, it is a study that all medievalists should know.

Evelyn Birge Vitz is Professor of French and Affiliated Professor of Comparative Literature and Religious Studies at New York University, USA.