Jean Bodel was a big name in French literary circles of the late twelfth century. This biography of a trendsetting and talented writer shows his contributions to several genres, including epic poetry, dramatic plays and fabliaux.
Excerpt:
Jean Bodel (1165-1210) was perhaps the most versatile and influential author of his time and place – late twelfth-century Arras, now the capital of the Pas-de-Calais department in the north of France, near Belgium. Bodel navigated the modern genres of poetry, epic, and theater. His miracle play, the Play of Saint Nicholas, is widely considered the first of its kind, and he was a trendsetter with his scandalous fabliaux as well. He also wrote poetry, including pastourelles (poems set in the countryside), and an epic tale of Charlemagne. With this diversity of interest and authorial skills, Bodel should be more widely studied than is currently the case.
Who is this book for?
Those studying medieval literature will enjoy having this excellent biography of a somewhat under-appreciated twelfth-century writer. Those interested in fabliaux will find Bodel particularly valuable, as he is credited with inventing the genre. Additionally, his writings offer unique insights into leprosy during the period, as he poignantly documented how the disease affected his own life. The book also includes several translations of Bodel’s writings.
The Author
Lynn Ramey is Professor of French and Cinema and Media Arts at Vanderbilt University. This is her third book on medieval literature.
An Introduction to Jean Bodel
By Lynn T. Ramey
University Press of Florida
ISBN: 9780813079028
Jean Bodel was a big name in French literary circles of the late twelfth century. This biography of a trendsetting and talented writer shows his contributions to several genres, including epic poetry, dramatic plays and fabliaux.
Excerpt:
Jean Bodel (1165-1210) was perhaps the most versatile and influential author of his time and place – late twelfth-century Arras, now the capital of the Pas-de-Calais department in the north of France, near Belgium. Bodel navigated the modern genres of poetry, epic, and theater. His miracle play, the Play of Saint Nicholas, is widely considered the first of its kind, and he was a trendsetter with his scandalous fabliaux as well. He also wrote poetry, including pastourelles (poems set in the countryside), and an epic tale of Charlemagne. With this diversity of interest and authorial skills, Bodel should be more widely studied than is currently the case.
Who is this book for?
Those studying medieval literature will enjoy having this excellent biography of a somewhat under-appreciated twelfth-century writer. Those interested in fabliaux will find Bodel particularly valuable, as he is credited with inventing the genre. Additionally, his writings offer unique insights into leprosy during the period, as he poignantly documented how the disease affected his own life. The book also includes several translations of Bodel’s writings.
The Author
Lynn Ramey is Professor of French and Cinema and Media Arts at Vanderbilt University. This is her third book on medieval literature.
You can learn more about this book from the publisher’s website.
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