Amadis of Gaul, Books III and IV: A Novel of Chivalry of the 14th Century Presumably First Writtenin Spanish - Paperback

by Garci R. De Montalvo (Author), Edwin Place (Translator), Herbert Behm (Translator)

In the long history of European prose, few works have been more influential and popular than Amadis of Gaul. It is a landmark work among the knight-errantry tales and probably derives from an oral tradition. Although its original author is unknown, it was likely written during the early fourteenth century, with the first known version of this work, dating from 1508, written in Spanish by Garci Ordóñez (or Rodríguez) de Montalvo. An early bestseller of the age of printing, Amadis of Gaul was translated into dozens of languages and spawned sequels and imitators over the centuries. A handsome, valiant, and undefeatable knight, Amadis is best known today as Don Quixote's favorite knight-errant and role model. Readers for centuries have delighted in his tales of adventure.

Back Jacket

Throughout the long history of European Literature, few works have been more influential and popular than the romantic and chivalrous tale of Amadis of Gaul. During the early age of printing, Amadis of Gaul quickly became a bestseller, setting the precedent for today's tales of action and adventure. Since its successful publication, the epic tale has been translated into dozens of languages, inspiring various sequels and imitators over the centuries. Amadis, a handsome, valiant, and undefeatable knight, is best known as Don Quixote's favorite knight-errant and role model, as he served as the inspiration for many of the hapless man's own quests. Considered a landmark work that served as the foundation for many knight-errantry tales, Amadis of Gaul is the story of a literary superhero whose adventures have captivated readers for centuries. This exquisite English translation restores these heroic deeds to print.

Edwin Place was professor emeritus at Northwestern University
Herbert Behm taught language arts in California.

A companion book to:
Amadis of Gaul, Books I and II
ISBN 978-0-8131-9034-1

Author Biography

Edwin Place was professor emeritus at Northwestern University. Herbert Behm taught language arts in California.