The Gilte Legende is, for the most part, a close translation "drawn out of Frensshe into Englisshe" in 1438, of Jean de Vignay's Legende doree of about 1333-40, itself a close translation of Jacobus de Voragine's Legenda aurea, completed c.1267. The importance of the Legenda aurea as one of the most widely copied and read books of the later middle ages can hardly be over-estimated. This is the first of a projected set of three volumes; volumes I and II will contain the text, and volume III the general introduction, notes and commentary. Richard Hamer is an Emeritus Student of Christ Church, Oxford, and former Tutor in English Literature. Vida Russell was formerly a Senior Lecturer in English at the University of Adelaide.

About the Author
Richard Hamer has previously edited, with Vida Russell, Supplementary Lives in some Manuscripts of the Gilte Legende, EETS O.S. 315 (2000). The three volumes of Gilte Legende are the centrepiece of this project begun with O.S. 315. He has written the intoduction and notes to The Golden Legend: Selections, Penguin Books (London, 1998).

Reviews
...the publication of volume I, covering roughly half of the sanctorale, represents a service to scholars which is to be warmly welcomed; roll on volumes II and III! * Margaret Connolly, Medium Aevum *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199205776
Author Richard Hamer
Format Hardback
Page Count 512
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press