The Medieval Greek Romance

There has never been a full study in any language of the contribution to medieval fiction of entertainment by writers in Greek. This book fills that gap and provides basic information for the non-specialist about Greek fiction during the period 1071–1453, as well as proposing new solutions to problems that have vexed previous generations of scholars. The most important advances made by the book are the application for the first time of sophisticated methods of literary analysis to the material, and the bridging of the artificial gap that in the past has separated 'Byzantine' literature, in a form of ancient Greek, from 'Modern Greek' writing, in the vernacular. As a result, it is argued that the long tradition of romance writing in Greek is both much more homogeneous, and of far greater literary sophistication, than has previously been realised. Throughout, consideration is given to relations and interconnections with similar literature in western Europe. There is a substantial, up-to-date bibliography.

First published by CUP in 1989, The Medieval Greek Romance provides basic information for the non-specialist about Greek fiction during the period 1071-1453, as well as proposing new solutions to problems that have vexed previous generations of scholars. Roderick Beaton applies sophisticated methods of literary analysis to the material, and the bridges of the artificial gap which has separated 'Byzantine'literature, in a form of ancient Greek as both homogenous and of a high level of literary sophistication.
Throughout, consideration is given to relations and interconnections with similar literature in western Europe. As most of the texts discussed are not available in English translation, the argument is illustrated by lucid plot summaries and extensive quotation (accompanied by literal English renderings).
For this edition, The Medieval Greek Romance has been revised throughout and expanded with the addition of an 'Afterword' which assesses and responds to recent work on the subject.

Booknews

A study for nonspecialists of Greek fiction in vernacular poetry and prose 1071-1453, bridging the long-perceived gap between the classical and modern periods. Finds more homogeneity and sophistication in the unbroken tradition than has been recognized in its fragments. The works are mostly untranslated, so copious quotations and summaries are provided. Identified on the cover as no.6 in the series, but probably should be no.5 (see PQ6380). Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)