This 1981 book provides an interpretation of the five Arthurian romances of Chrétien de Troyes. It explores how this most enigmatic and influential of medieval romance-writers reveals his ideas about man, society and God. The texts range from Erec and Enide, through Cliges to Perceval or Le Conte du Graal.

"[A]n eminently readable text, done clearly and accurately . . . it gives as good an idea as a translation can of the complexity and subtlety of Chrétien's originals. . . . The text is provided by a translator who understands the spirit as well as the letter of the original and renders it with style. . . . [T]his translation should attract a wide audience of students and Arthurian enthusiasts." —Speculum "[A] significant contribution to the field of medieval studies [and] a pleasure to read." —Library Journal "These are, above all, stories of courtly love and of knights tested in their devotion to chivalric ideals (with passion and duty often at odds); but they are also thrilling wonder stories of giants, wild men, tame lions, razor-sharp bridges and visits to the Other World." —Washington Post Book World "This tastefully produced book will be the standard general translation for many years to come." —Choice This new translation brings to life for a new generation of readers the stories of King Arthur, Lancelot, Guinevere, Gawain, Perceval, Yvain, and the other "knights and ladies" of Chrétien de Troyes' famous romances.

The supplement to the 1976 original bibliography reflects the expanding scope of modern Chrétien studies, including items from around the world, with the assistance of an international team of scholars.