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  • Cited by 10
Publisher:
Cambridge University Press
Online publication date:
May 2019
Print publication year:
2019
Online ISBN:
9781108766715

Book description

Penguin Classics have built their reputation as one of the largest and most successful modern imprints for 'classic' texts on the notion of 'the general reader'. Following an interrogation of this idea, Leah Tether investigates the publication of medieval French literature on this list and shines a light on the drivers, motivations, negotiations and decision-making processes behind it. Focusing on the medieval French texts published between c.1956 and 2000, Tether demonstrates that, rather than Penguin's frequently cited 'general reader', a more academic market may have contributed to ensuring the success of these titles.

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Cable, J., trans. (1972). The Death of King Arthur. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1952/Box 328: L255.
de Troyes, Chrétien, (1990, rev. 2004). Arthurian Romances. Trans. W. W. Kibler and C. W. Carroll. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1952/Box 335: 521.
de Pizan, Christine, (2000). The Book of the City of Ladies. Trans. R. Brown-Grant. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Title too late for Archive.
de Pizan, Christine, (1985). The Treasure of the City of Ladies. Trans. S. Lawson. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1952/334: 453.
Froissart, J. (1968, repr. 1978). Chronicles. Trans. G. Brereton. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1107/L200.
de France, Marie, (1999). The Lais of Marie de France. Trans. G. S. Burgess and K. Busby. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1952/Box 334: 476.
Matarasso, P. M. trans. (1971). Aucassin and Nicolette and Other Tales. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1952/Box 328: 254.
Matarasso, P. M., trans. (1969). The Quest of the Holy Grail. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1107/L220.
Sayers, D. L., trans. (1960, repr. 1965). The Song of Roland. Harmondsworth: Penguin. Archive file: DM1107/L75.

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