Wace: Le Roman de Brut - The French Book of Brutus

Written in the mid 12th century, Waces verse epic recounts the history of Britain from earliest times to its conquest by the Saxons, in Norman French for the benefit of the islands new rulers. This translation renders the original rhymed couplets into unrhymed English tetrameter, while preserving their line structure and cadences. It makes accessible the legendary tales of Brutus, Lear, Vortigern, Uther Pendragon and above all King Arthur, providing a unique glimpse into the medieval world of chivalry.