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Sir Gawain and the Green Knight

With Pearl and Sir Orfeo

J R R Tolkien translator

Format:Hardback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers

Published:30th Apr '20

Should be back in stock very soon

This hardback is available in another edition too:

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight cover

This deluxe edition features Tolkien's translations of three medieval poems, including Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, exploring themes of love and loss.

This exquisite deluxe slipcased edition presents three medieval English poems, translated by J.R.R. Tolkien for contemporary readers. Each poem is rich with themes of romance, tragedy, love, and honor, offering a glimpse into the complexities of human experience. The beautifully decorated text enhances the reading experience, making it not just a literary work but a visual delight. As a special bonus, this edition includes the complete text of Tolkien's renowned lecture on Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, providing deeper insights into the poem's significance.

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight and Pearl are two remarkable poems attributed to an unknown author from around 1400. While Sir Gawain is a vibrant and colorful romance, it also serves as a profound moral tale that explores the religious and social values of its time. In contrast, Pearl is a poignant elegy reflecting on the death of a child, infused with deep personal loss, yet it too engages in a sophisticated dialogue about intangible themes.

The third poem, Sir Orfeo, is a lighter romance that belongs to an earlier tradition and was particularly cherished by Tolkien. This deluxe edition captures the complete rhyme and alliterative structures of the originals, making it a valuable addition to any literary collection. With Tolkien's lecture included, readers are invited to appreciate the depth and artistry of these medieval works.

‘The introduction to Gawain is a little masterpiece.’
Times Higher Educational Supplement

‘This magnificent Arthurian tale of love, sex, honour, social tact, personal integrity and folk-magic is one of the greatest and most approachable narrative poems in the language. Tolkien’s version makes it come triumphantly alive, a moving and consoling elegy.’
Birmingham Post

ISBN: 9780008393625

Dimensions: 228mm x 149mm x 35mm

Weight: 870g

256 pages

Deluxe Slipcased edition