Guide to the works of the twelfth-century chronicler Wace, setting him
in his historical and cultural context.
The twelfth-century writer Wace is best known for his two influential
works on the history of England (the Roman de Brut) and on the history
of the Normans (the Roman de Rou), but despite this he has, until
recently, been neglected. This book aims to provide a comprehensive
overview of all his surviving works, including his hagiographical
pieces, La Vie de sainte Marguerite, la Vie de saint Nicolas and La
Conception Nostre Dame.Beginning with an examination of the historical
and textual background necessary to an informed understanding of the
poet, it moves on to discuss the manuscript tradition of each of Wace's
poems, together with the sources that underlie each text, highlighting
the additions, omissions and modifications made by the poet in adapting
his material for new, non-Latinate audience. Particular attention is
given to Wace's swan-song, the Roman de Rou, wherehis skill in combining
history and romance is most clearly revealed.
Dr F. H. M. Le Saux teaches in the Department of French at the
University of Reading.