Melusine; or, The Noble History of Lusignan

“Part history, part fantasy, part romance, the story of Melusine—brought to life in this readable and lively translation—opens a window onto late medieval European chivalric culture, its refinements, its brutality, and its anxieties. Ranging from Ireland to Armenia, the story of the fairy Melusine and her family provides a wealth of descriptive detail about courtly life and the cultural importance of family and property. Supported by an excellent introduction and relevant, informative notes, this translation brings to light a book and an imagination that will appeal to students, general readers, and scholars.” —Carolyn Collette, Mount Holyoke College

“The fourteenth century comes alive in this superb new translation of the classic French masterpiece Melusine; or, The Noble History of Lusignan. The work is packed with romance and adventure, by turns poignant and hilarious, and the author’s lively and inviting prose style is guaranteed to delight fans of historical fiction as well as students of all ages. This is by far the most lucid, authentic, and enjoyable English-language version of this enchanting fairy tale available today, and I expect it to be universally recognized as the definitive translation for many years to come.” —Nancy Goldstone, author of The Maid and the Queen

“The Mélusine of Jean d'Arras is a work of particular importance for its fusion of historiography and fiction, a work whose appeal was quickly acknowledged by the copying of numerous late medieval manuscripts, further recognized in the early days of printed books, and reconfirmed ever since by translation into many languages (Middle English, German, Spanish, modern French, etc.). The new translation is an excellent addition to this veritable library of Mélusines: a long-overdue version in modern English that is, moreover, grounded in solid scholarship. The translators' introduction and extensive annotation of the text make it clear that their work has been prepared with an exemplary understanding of the narrative's social and historical context.” —Samuel Rosenberg, Indiana University