Prose Merlin (TEAMS Middle English Texts)

Rating:
Summary: Most Awesome
Review: this book is most awesome if you're doing research! I recommend it to all the mythology or arthurian buffs out there!

Rating:
Summary: Well worthwhile.
Review: Yes, this book *is* in Middle English, but the language really doesn't pose a problem. I'm not a Middle English specialist, although I will confess to having a reference work on ME in my library. I didn't need it to read the Prose Merlin. There's a running glossary at the bottom of each page, which you'll barely refer to once you get used to the language. There's also a good commentary on each chapter in the back of the book.

Basically, as an early English reworking of the French Vulgate cycle of Arthurian legends, it offers a unique take on these legends that you just won't find anywhere else. Malory's version of the same stories comes out quite differently. Plus, the Prose Merlin is just a good story, and doesn't become tedious the way much medieval literature does.

So, if you're interested in the Arthurian legends, I'd recommend it. Don't let the language put you off. It's definitely easier than Chaucer, and perhaps a tad bit easier than (untranslated) Malory. This book would also be a good choice for someone who wanted to try reading some Middle English; it's a good confidence-builder.

Rating:
Summary: Well worthwhile.
Review: Yes, this book *is* in Middle English, but the language really doesn't pose a problem. I'm not a Middle English specialist, although I will confess to having a reference work on ME in my library. I didn't need it to read the Prose Merlin. There's a running glossary at the bottom of each page, which you'll barely refer to once you get used to the language. There's also a good commentary on each chapter in the back of the book.

Basically, as an early English reworking of the French Vulgate cycle of Arthurian legends, it offers a unique take on these legends that you just won't find anywhere else. Malory's version of the same stories comes out quite differently. Plus, the Prose Merlin is just a good story, and doesn't become tedious the way much medieval literature does.

So, if you're interested in the Arthurian legends, I'd recommend it. Don't let the language put you off. It's definitely easier than Chaucer, and perhaps a tad bit easier than (untranslated) Malory. This book would also be a good choice for someone who wanted to try reading some Middle English; it's a good confidence-builder.