The Lays of Marie de France

By: Marie de France

Narrated by: Georgina Sutton, David Rintoul

Length: 5 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The 12 Lays of Marie de France offer one of the most striking collections of short narrative poems of the 12th century - two centuries before Chaucer.

Written in Anglo-French, they contain beguiling and entertaining stories of love and romance, of chivalry and adventure with sometimes even a magical twist. They are especially unique in early literature by being ascribed to a female poet, Marie de France: in the very first Lay - 'Guigemar' - is the introductory line: ‘Hear my Lords, what Marie says, who does not wish to be forgotten in her time.’

In this modern prose translation by Edward J. Gallagher, professor of French studies, Wheaton College, Norton Massachusets, the vigour and spirit of the Lays is foremost, balanced by gentle poetry and story-telling. Professor Gallagher, in his introduction, explains: ‘If Chrétien de Troyes’ five romances and the two Old French versions of the Tristan story constitute the medieval precursors of the modern novel, The Lays can be considered the medieval antecedents of the modern short story. What is undeniable is Marie de France’s place in literary history as the most accomplished writer of lays.’

Each of the Lays focuses on some extraordinary adventure involving in all cases a problematic love relationship in a chivalric society. The geographic setting is frequently, but not exclusively, Britain or continental Brittany.

These are tales of honourable love, adulterous love, old men attempting to guard young wives, betrayal, hope and despair. Often, strict moral codes expected by the Church of the time are flouted as love conquers all. The Lays are read engagingly by Georgina Sutton. A short introduction leading to the Lays, and scholarly notes to conclude by Professor Gallagher are read by David Rintoul.

In addition, the recording is accompanied by a PDF containing the prologue and the first Lay, 'Guigemar', in Anglo-Norman for further interest and insight.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2010 Hackett Publishing Company (P)2020 Ukemi Productions Ltd

Many Strange Things Happen in Brittany

Those are the words of Marie de France, and they apply to every story she tells. Beyond the sheer exuberance of the material, we get a solid grounding in what a lay is (scholars, being scholars, disagree), who Marie de France was (no one knows) and the cultural and literary background of these marvelous tales.

Both Georgina Sutton (who reads the lays) and David Rintoul (who gives us the scholarly background) do an excellent job.

A treat!

Wonderful stories, exquisitely written and thrillingly read. If Georgina Sutton told me to go to hell, I'd feign deafness in hopes of getting to hear her say it again. I love her voice and delivery that much.

An Amazing Translation!

Prof. Gallagher has truly crafted an artistic and wonderful translation of the "Lays...". When listening to these medieval tales of love and adventure, you will have no idea that they are translated from another language. Even though the stories are medieval, they are filled with emotion and excitement that rival the great works of literature. The readers do an exceptional job and are a joy to listen to. Listening to these tales was definitely the finest auditory literature experience I have ever had!