Heroes and Anti-heroes in Medieval Romance


Book Description

Investigations into the heroic - or not - behaviour of the protagonists of medieval romance. Medieval romances so insistently celebrate the triumphs of heroes and the discomfiture of villains that they discourage recognition of just how morally ambiguous, antisocial or even downright sinister their protagonists can be, and, correspondingly, of just how admirable or impressive their defeated opponents often are. This tension between the heroic and the antiheroic makes a major contribution to the dramatic complexity of medieval romance, but it is not an aspect of the genre that has been frequently discussed up until now. Focusing on fourteen distinct characters and character-types in medieval narrative, this book illustrates the range of different ways in which the imaginative power and appeal of romance-texts often depend on contradictions implicit in the very ideal of heroism. Dr Neil Cartlidge is Lecturer in English at the University of Durham. Contributors: Neil Cartlidge, Penny Eley, David Ashurst, Meg Lamont, Laura Ashe, Judith Weiss, Gareth Griffith, Kate McClune, Nancy Mason Bradbury, Ad Putter, Robert Rouse, Siobhain Bly Calkin, James Wade, Stephanie Vierick Gibbs Kamath







The Enchanted Ring


Book Description

Philothée O'Neddy, one of the most flamboyant and outspoken members of the defiantly and insistently eccentric group of French writers known as the Jeunes France, whose members included Théophile Gautier, Petrus Borel and Gérard de Nerval, produced little fiction during his lifetime, but that he did produce was of the highest order. His longest prose work, Histoire d'un anneau enchanté, roman de chevalerie (1841), here translated into English for the first time by Brian Stableford as The Enchanted Ring: A Romance of Chivalry is one of the most remarkable products of the French Romantic imagination. Although the proto-Baudelairean aspects of the author's collection of poetry Feu et flamme have helped to maintain that volume's reputation at a higher level, Histoire d'un anneau enchanté, roman de chevalerie has an equal claim to be considered its author's masterpiece, with its marked unconventionality and admirable zest, which maintain its readability very well into the twenty-first century.




A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry


Book Description

On the great influence of a valiant lord: "The companions, who see that good warriors are honored by the great lords for their prowess, become more determined to attain this level of prowess." On the lady who sees her knight honored: "All of this makes the noble lady rejoice greatly within herself at the fact that she has set her mind and heart on loving and helping to make such a good knight or good man-at-arms." On the worthiest amusements: "The best pastime of all is to be often in good company, far from unworthy men and from unworthy activities from which no good can come." Enter the real world of knights and their code of ethics and behavior. Read how an aspiring knight of the fourteenth century would conduct himself and learn what he would have needed to know when traveling, fighting, appearing in court, and engaging fellow knights. Composed at the height of the Hundred Years War by Geoffroi de Charny, one of the most respected knights of his age, A Knight's Own Book of Chivalry was designed as a guide for members of the Company of the Star, an order created by Jean II of France in 1352 to rival the English Order of the Garter. This is the most authentic and complete manual on the day-to-day life of the knight that has survived the centuries, and this edition contains a specially commissioned introduction from historian Richard W. Kaeuper that gives the history of both the book and its author, who, among his other achievements, was the original owner of the Shroud of Turin.




A Quest of Heroes (Book #1 in the Sorcerer's Ring)


Book Description

“A breathtaking new epic fantasy series. Morgan Rice does it again! This magical saga reminds me of the best of J.K. Rowling, George R.R. Martin, Rick Riordan, Christopher Paolini and J.R.R. Tolkien. I couldn’t put it down!” --Allegra Skye, Bestselling author of SAVED From #1 Bestselling author Morgan Rice comes the debut of a dazzling new fantasy series. A QUEST OF HEROES (BOOK #1 IN THE SORCERER’S RING) revolves around the epic coming of age story of one special boy, a 14 year old from a small village on the outskirts of the Kingdom of the Ring. The youngest of four, the least favorite of his father, hated by his brothers, Thorgrin senses he is different from the others. He dreams of becoming a great warrior, of joining the King’s men and protecting the Ring from the hordes of creatures on the other side of the Canyon. When he comes of age and is forbidden by his father to try out for the King’s Legion, he refuses to take no for an answer: he journeys out on his own, determined to force his way into King’s Court and be taken seriously. But King’s Court is rife with its own family dramas, power struggles, ambitions, jealousy, violence and betrayal. King MacGil must choose an heir from amongst his children, and the ancient Dynasty Sword, the source of all their power, still sits untouched, waiting for the chosen one to arrive. Thorgrin arrives as an outsider and battles to be accepted, and to join the King’s Legion. Thorgrin comes to learn he has mysterious powers he does not understand, that he has a special gift, and a special destiny. Against all odds he falls in love with the king’s daughter, and as their forbidden relationship blossoms, he discovers he has powerful rivals. As he struggles to make sense of his powers, the king’s sorcerer takes him under his wing and tells him of a mother he never knew, in a land far away, beyond the Canyon, beyond even the land of the Dragons. Before Thorgrin can venture out and become the warrior he yearns to be, he must complete his training. But this may be cut short, as he finds himself propelled into the center of royal plots and counterplots, ones that may threaten his love and bring him down—and the entire kingdom with him. With its sophisticated world-building and characterization, A QUEST OF HEROES is an epic tale of friends and lovers, of rivals and suitors, of knights and dragons, of intrigues and political machinations, of coming of age, of broken hearts, of deception, ambition and betrayal. It is a tale of honor and courage, of fate and destiny, of sorcery. It is a fantasy that brings us into a world we will never forget, and which will appeal to all ages and genders. It is 82,000 words. Book #2 in the series, A MARCH OF KINGS, is now available, too. “Grabbed my attention from the beginning and did not let go....This story is an amazing adventure that is fast paced and action packed from the very beginning. There is not a dull moment to be found.” --Paranormal Romance Guild {regarding Turned} “Jam packed with action, romance, adventure, and suspense. Get your hands on this one and fall in love all over again.” --vampirebooksite.com (regarding Turned) “A great plot, and this especially was the kind of book you will have trouble putting down at night. The ending was a cliffhanger that was so spectacular that you will immediately want to buy the next book, just to see what happens.” --The Dallas Examiner {regarding Loved}




Crier's Knife


Book Description

In the dark heart of a sweltering summer night, alone and shivering, a young man whispers an incantation. Leagues and miles away, in a creaky cottage atop a mountain, a silver mirror breaks in the night. A woman in white rolls scrimshaw knuckle bones by the light of black candles, frowning at their message before she sends for her grandson.Dirk Crier is no stranger to being summoned up the mountain, and this is far from the first time he's been sent to bring his cousin Teller home when he's gone too far astray. This time is different, though. This time a shadow looms over the end of the path; a nameless threat, asleep for now, but coming closer to waking with every passing day. He will need to be swift if he wants to bring them both back to the slopes of Ben Morgh.And if he isn't quick enough to save his cousin, Dirk will show those responsible why the folk around the mountain say only a dead man crosses a Crier.




Georgette Heyer's Heroes


Book Description

"No one has ever matched Georgette Heyer for charm and wit."—LISA KLEYPAS, New York Times bestselling author "You're in for a treat."—NORA ROBERTS, New York Times bestselling author A fresh celebration of a legendary author who has charmed tens of millions of readers with her rapier wit, brilliant characterizations, and unique take on Regency romance. Now, get three full-length novels featuring some of Heyer's most splendid heroes, plus a delightful bonus novella from the Queen of Regency Romance's little known short story collection. About the books in this bundle: Venetia: Venetia Lanyon lives an independent but secluded life running her family's estate, until she meets her notorious neighbor: Jasper, Lord Damerel. Exiled at his country estate for his rakish ways, Damerel never expects to find a hidden gem like Venetia so far from London. What begins for him as a harmless flirtation becomes much more, and the two are on the verge of a damaging scandal. For meeting Damerel has awakened in Venetia desires she never dreamt she possessed, and she'll be drawn out of her reclusive existence by the very type of man a well-bred lady should avoid. These Old Shades: Justin Alistair, His Grace the Duke of Avon, is a dangerous man to cross. Nicknamed "Satanas" for his wild and unscrupulous ways, he has waited 20 years to get revenge on his arch-enemy. The means to do so falls serendipitously into his hands in the person of a fiery red-head whose nobility is scarcely disguised by a harsh and abusive upbringing. First the Duke's servant, and later his ward, Leonie Bonnard adores, challenges, and provokes the Duke, never guessing that she's going to be at the center of a public confrontation that will shock the world. Set in the years before Prinny became Regent, Heyer delivers an unusual hero you will never forget. Devil's Cub: The acclaimed sequel to These Old Shades delivers non-stop action and the delight of seeing just what happened to Leonie Bonnard and the Duke of Avon. Mary Challoner tried to trick fiery Dominic Alistair, Marquis of Vidal, to prevent him from running off with her sister. Now he's discovered her subterfuge, and he's not one to take this kind of thing lightly. A kidnapping ensues, but Mary has a few more shocking stratagems up her sleeve, and it seems that Dominic, the Devil's Cub, may have finally met his match. Pistols for Two (novella): Two best friends at odds over plain little Marianne Treen, who is no longer plain and has grown into a stunning young lady. A spilled drink and a squashed toe, and Jack and Tom find themselves facing each other with pistols at dawn. Brimming with characteristic wit and colorful characters, Heyer brings to life all the romance, intrigue, gallantry, villainy and grace of the Regency period.




Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (A New Verse Translation)


Book Description

One of the earliest great stories of English literature after ?Beowulf?, ?Sir Gawain? is the strange tale of a green knight on a green horse, who rudely interrupts King Arthur's Round Table festivities one Yuletide, challenging the knights to a wager. Simon Armitrage, one of Britain's leading poets, has produced an inventive and groundbreaking translation that " helps] liberate ?Gawain ?from academia" (?Sunday Telegraph?).




Noble Cause


Book Description

"Noble Cause is a riveting piece of historical fiction, very much highly recommended reading." - Midwest Book Review Noble Cause: A Novel of the Civil War, is the winner of the 2011 John Esten Cooke Award for Southern Fiction and the Next Generation Award for Regional Fiction. It was a Finalist in both the Romance and Historical Fiction categories. The award-winning historical fiction novel Shades of Gray now has a new happily-ever-after ending in this special edition entitled, Noble Cause. This is the tale of Colonel Alexander Hunter, a dauntless and daring Confederate cavalry officer, who, with his band of intrepid outcasts, becomes a legend in the rolling hills of northern Virginia. Inspired by love of country and guided by a sense of duty and honor, Hunter must make a desperate choice when he discovers the woman he promised his dying brother he would protect is the Union spy he vowed to his men he would destroy. Readers will discover the fine line between friends and enemies when the paths of these two tenacious foes cross by the fates of war and their destinies become entwined forever. Author Jessica James uniquely blends elements of romantic and historical fiction in this deeply personal and poignant tale that, according to one reviewer, “transcends the pages to settle in the very marrow of the reader’s bones.” Winner of numerous national awards, James has received critical acclaim for this page-turning story of courage, honor, and enduring love. Destined for an honored place among the classics of the American Civil War, Noble Cause is a book to read, and keep, and remember forever.