∎ Read "The Song of Roland" Retold in Modern Engish Prose Annotated edition by Helene A Guerber Literature Fiction eBooks

"The Song of Roland" Retold in Modern Engish Prose Annotated edition by Helene A Guerber Literature Fiction eBooks

Download As PDF : "The Song of Roland" Retold in Modern Engish Prose Annotated edition by Helene A Guerber Literature Fiction eBooks

Originally published in 1913 as a portion of the author’s larger “The Book of Epic,” and equivalent in length to a physical book of approximately 16 pages, this edition retells, in plain English prose, the story of the twelfth century French epic poem “The Song of Roland” (“La Chanson de Roland”).

Includes supplemental introductory material

•About Roland in Brief
•About “The Song of Roland” in Brief
•About Charlemagne in Brief
•About the Battle of Roncesvalles in Brief

Sample passage
Because the enemies’ force so greatly outnumbers theirs, Oliver suggests that Roland sound his horn to summon Charlemagne to his aid; but, unwilling to lose any glory, this hero refuses, declaring he will strike one hundred thousand such doughty blows with his mighty sword (Durendal), that all the pagans will be laid low. In spite of the fact that Oliver thrice implores him to summon aid, Roland thrice refuses; so his friend, perceiving he will not yield, finally declares they must do their best, and adds that, should they not get the better of the foe, they will at least die fighting nobly. Then Archbishop Turpin—one of the peers—assures the soldiers that, since they are about to die as martyrs, they will earn Paradise, and pronounces the absolution, thus inspiring the French with such courage that, on rising from their knees, they rush forward to earn a heavenly crown.

About the author
Helene A. Guerber (1859-1929) was a British historian and author who brought literature and history to life. Other works include “The Story of the Greeks,” “Stories of Shakespeare’s Tragedies,” and “The Story of the Thirteen Colonies.”

"The Song of Roland" Retold in Modern Engish Prose Annotated edition by Helene A Guerber Literature Fiction eBooks

I was looking for a copy of The Song of Roland in modern prose, for homeschooling (Omnibus II) purposes, but what I got was a summary of the book. Yes, it is a retelling. Yes it is in modern English. But do not think this is a 'translation' in easy-to-understand English. It is a detailed summary/telling of the book. It does not read like a story.

First lines: " 'The Song of Roland' opens with the statement that, after spending seven years in Spain, Charlemagne is master of all save the city of Saragossa. It is in Saragossa that King Marsile, holding an open-air council, informs his followers he no longer has men to oppose the French. When he inquires what he shall do, the wisest of his advisers suggests that, when might fails, craft can gain the day..."

First lines of Moncrieff translation: "I. Charles the King, our Lord and Sovereign, Full seven years hath sojourned in Spain, conquered the land, and won the western main, Now no fortress against him doth remain, No city walls are left for him to gain, Save Sarraguce, that sits on high mountain. Marsile its King, who feareth not God's name, Mahumet's man, he invokes Apollin's aid, Nor wards off ills that shall to him attain. II. King Marsilies he lay at Sarraguce, Went he his way into an orchard cool; There on a throne he sate, of marble blue, Round him his men, full twenty thousand stood..."

Two stars. The same kind of summary could be found online for free. The 'download sample' only includes part of the introduction. The summary is fine, detailed and helpful as a 'summary' of the events in the book, useful to go alongside and explain a poetic translation. But it has a misleading title, so I give it two stars as a warning to the next customer.

Product details File Size 205 KB Print Length 13 pages Publisher A. J. Cornell Publications (December 3, 2012) Publication Date December 3, 2012 Sold by  Digital Services LLC Language English ASIN B00AHYFMRK

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"The Song of Roland" Retold in Modern Engish Prose Annotated edition by Helene A Guerber Literature Fiction eBooks Reviews

This book is for you if you want to know the outline of the Song of Roland but don't have the time for the entire poem. Very short and to the point.
This is not the story retold in modern English. This is the story summarized in modern English. Don't waste your money unless you're after an ultra-short Cliff's Notes.

Actually, Cliff's Notes might have more detail.
I was looking for a copy of The Song of Roland in modern prose, for homeschooling (Omnibus II) purposes, but what I got was a summary of the book. Yes, it is a retelling. Yes it is in modern English. But do not think this is a 'translation' in easy-to-understand English. It is a detailed summary/telling of the book. It does not read like a story.

First lines " 'The Song of Roland' opens with the statement that, after spending seven years in Spain, Charlemagne is master of all save the city of Saragossa. It is in Saragossa that King Marsile, holding an open-air council, informs his followers he no longer has men to oppose the French. When he inquires what he shall do, the wisest of his advisers suggests that, when might fails, craft can gain the day..."

First lines of Moncrieff translation "I. Charles the King, our Lord and Sovereign, Full seven years hath sojourned in Spain, conquered the land, and won the western main, Now no fortress against him doth remain, No city walls are left for him to gain, Save Sarraguce, that sits on high mountain. Marsile its King, who feareth not God's name, Mahumet's man, he invokes Apollin's aid, Nor wards off ills that shall to him attain. II. King Marsilies he lay at Sarraguce, Went he his way into an orchard cool; There on a throne he sate, of marble blue, Round him his men, full twenty thousand stood..."

Two stars. The same kind of summary could be found online for free. The 'download sample' only includes part of the introduction. The summary is fine, detailed and helpful as a 'summary' of the events in the book, useful to go alongside and explain a poetic translation. But it has a misleading title, so I give it two stars as a warning to the next customer.