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Description: | This manuscript contains a rare complete copy of the 'Chanson d'Aspremont,' or 'Song of Aspremont.' An epic or long poem, it was composed in the late 12th century in France and relates an action-packed tale of the hero Roland's early adventures, a kind of flash-back sequel to the late 11th century 'Song of Roland'. The plot revolves around the revenge sought by King Charlemagne, Roland's liege, against the Saracen king, Agolant. Charlemagne chooses the young knight Roland for the mission, which ends in battle at Aspremont. During the story Roland acquires his magical sword Durendal. Such works became quite popular with the book-reading nobility and middle class during 13th and 14th centuries, who valued them highly as entertainment.
Monks were among the most avid consumers (and possibly authors) of these blow-by-blow action stories featuring conventional characters. The first page of the manuscript bears an inscription identifying it as a tale of Agolant, "from the Library of St Augustine, Cant." | License: | http://www.bl.uk/services/copy/permission.html | Rights holder: | British Library | Source: | Collect Britain | Identifier: | http://www.collectbritain.co.uk/personal... | Language: | en-GB | Go to resource |
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