French Literature Reviews - 2026

B. Guidot, Chanson de geste et réécritures
Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Bernard Guidot, Chanson de geste et réécritures

Orléans, Paradigme, coll. "Medievalia", 2008

ISBN (ean13): 978-2-86878-275-5
45.00 €

Publisher's description:

The crusading spirit permeates all of medieval epic production. It runs throughout this volume, whose various chapters form meaningful thematic networks: "Christian World and Saracen World", "Families and Cycles", "Perspective and Point of View", "Imagination and Illusion", "Fantasy and Humour", "Rewriting".

Based on the study of specific aspects related to the great epic cycles of the Middle Ages, these articles explore the relationship between the *chansons de geste* and History, examine the structural composition of the works and their cyclic expansion—which became so prominent in the 13th century—and, in some cases, establish a broader perspective extending well beyond the classical period straight to the heart of the *Bibliothèque bleue*.

The chanson de geste represents a foundational genre in medieval French literature, flourishing particularly during the high and late Middle Ages. These epic poems typically celebrated heroic deeds, martial prowess and the ethos of the Christian knight, often engaging directly with historical events and contemporary crusading ideals. Over centuries, these texts underwent extensive transformation through cyclic expansion and popular transmission, eventually finding new life in early modern formats such as the Bibliothèque bleue.

Readers interested in medieval epic traditions and the evolution of heroic narratives may find this volume relevant. Bernard Guidot explores the relationship between epic poetry and history, the structural composition of great cycles, and the recurring thematic networks that define medieval French literature. The chapters address the interplay between Christian and Saracen worlds, familial structures, narrative perspectives, imagination, fantasy, humour and the practice of rewriting across various classical and later traditions.