The Finding of the Grail: Retold from Old French Sources - Tapa dura

This retelling of the Medieval Grail legend presents a unified version, based on orginal texts, of the hero Perceval's quest. The text is illustrated with 34 miniatures from 13th- and 14th-century manuscripts, offering a concise version of a fascinating myth.

This lively retelling of the medieval Grail legend presents a unified version of the hero Perceval's quest. Illustrated with 34 miniatures from 13th- and 14th-century manuscripts, it offers a concise and coherent version of a myth that has fascinated readers for more than 800 years.The earliest extant grail story is by the great 12th-century French poet Chretien de Troyes, who introduces the mysterious vessel in a solemn procession witnessed by the young knight Perceval in the Castle of the Fisher King. Chretien never finished his story, but a number of 12th- and 13th-century writers wrote continuations of it, adding episodes that prolonged the quest but did not offer a coherent conclusion.Weaving together episodes selected from the earliest Old French texts and focusing exclusively on the adventures of Perceval, the authors have created a "new" romance true to Chretien de Troyes' delicate blend of Christian themes and Celtic magic, offering a conclusion in keeping with Chretien's balanced view of human aspirations. Illustrating key moments in the story, the miniatures help create the elusive atmosphere of medieval fantasy.