The Testament of Cresseid & Seven Fables
Translated by Seamus Heaney
Seamus Heaney author Robert Henryson author Seamus Heaney translator
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Faber & Faber
Published:1st Apr '10
Should be back in stock very soon
This collection features Seamus Heaney's modern translation of Robert Henryson's poignant narrative poem and seven fables, blending humor and depth while exploring themes of love, loss, and human frailty.
The Testament of Cresseid & Seven Fables, translated by Seamus Heaney, presents a masterful rendition of Robert Henryson's works, showcasing the profound emotional depth and narrative skill characteristic of late medieval Scottish literature. Henryson, a prominent figure among the Scottish makars, wrote in Lowland Scots and drew significant inspiration from Chaucer, particularly in his exploration of human frailty and pathos. His most notable poem, The Testament of Cresseid, serves as a continuation of Chaucer's Troilus and Criseyde, offering a poignant and tragic portrayal of the titular character's downfall following her betrayal by Diomede.
Heaney's translation captures the essence of Henryson's original text, balancing a modern English idiom with fidelity to the poem's unique tone, which combines both detachment and compassion. The work is marked by an intensity reminiscent of Shakespeare, reflecting the emotional turmoil faced by Cresseid as she descends into a life of despair and suffering. This translation not only honors the original’s narrative complexity but also enhances its accessibility for contemporary readers.
In addition to The Testament of Cresseid, the collection includes seven of Henryson's fables, which exemplify his talent for blending humor with moral insight. These fables, rich with irony and delicate comedy, provide a lighter counterpoint to the more serious themes of the main poem. Together, The Testament of Cresseid & Seven Fables represents a remarkable dialogue between two poets separated by centuries, inviting readers to engage with the enduring themes of love, loss, and human nature.
ISBN: 9780571249664
Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 18mm
Weight: 260g
208 pages
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