Book Description

This high-spirited collection of medieval French love poetry in modern translation takes delightful advantage of the preoccupation of writers of that time and place with love and sex. Decidedly sexist by today's standards, the volume offers the modern reader translations from seven texts, among them Ovid's "Ars amatoria," one of the earliest "practical" love guides -- a satirical treatise chockablock with shrewd tips for seducers and lovers -- as well as selections from the anonymous "On Courtesy," from Robert de Blois's "Advice to Ladies," and four other works. The illustrations -- 7 woodcuts by Robert and Corinne Borja -- are a blend of modern and medieval styles. Renowned translator Norman R. Shapiro is a prof. at Wesleyan Univ.