The Books of…Nigel Bryant

His latest work is this, the first translation of two vivid accounts of French thirteenth-century tournaments, rich in detail and an impassioned defence of tournaments and their importance. Written within weeks of the events they describe, they record in vivid detail not only the jousts and the mêlées but also the entertainments and dramatic interludes which preceded, followed and embellished these festivals of martial sport.

Our readers will need no introduction to William Marshal, often called England’s greatest knight, but his life is always worth reading and re-reading: it’s incredible! His was also the first biography of a layman in the vernacular in European history. Nigel Bryant’s translation is the first in modern prose.

At over a million words, Perceforest is one of the largest and certainly the most extraordinary of the late Arthurian romances. Nige Bryant’s heroic translation provides a version which gives a complete account of every episode of a work that’s gone largely unexplored.

Nigel Bryant’s translation of this unique view of the Arthurian world was the first in English and helped make it made accessible to many more students of medieval literature, Arthurian enthusiasts, and to historians interested in the world of chivalry.

Another first: the first ever translation of the whole of the rich and compelling body of tales contained in Chrétien’s poem and the four Continuations in which other authors attempted to complete his unfinished work.
This book makes a significant contribution to Arthurian studies. . . . Bryant should again be commended for his ability to bring that which was distant closer and make it just as compelling. Highly recommended. CHOICE