A Companion to 'Chrétien de Troyes' by Norris J. Lacy, Joan Tasker Grimbert

Abstract

MLR, IOI.4, 2oo6 I105 aGCSE or equivalent and those wishing to brush up their French for business pur poses, either learning in a classroom setting or independently. The topics are practical and relevant to those two groups, e.g. home and work, dealing with financial matters, buying a property in France, health and leisure. Visually attractive and drawing on a variety of pedagogical approaches, this book is likely to appeal to awide audience. However, while some would regard the number of different sections and visual variety as a strength in terms of maintaining interest and motivation, others are likely to find this kind of approach and appearance bitty and confusing. The presentation is patchy-clear in parts but generally cluttered with text and images and over-use of colour, which some learners will find exhausting rather than motivating. The stated learning outcomes at the start of each unit are clear and provide a structure for the content that follows. The grammar sections (Language Focus) are on the whole comprehensive and the points well explained. The twomain weakness of this book in my view are the lack of guidance on pronunciation and the inadequate support for the independent learner, one of themain intended audiences. The learning tips are often extra grammar-use of on, position of adjectives-or vocabulary extension, rather than strategies for improving or supporting language learning. There is no guidance or feedback and the answer keys are contained in a separate booklet at extra cost. Many of the activities, which are often both engaging and testing, require either pair or group work or a teacher. The course may be suitable forHE institution-wide language programmes (IWLPs) as part of a structured programme and for younger students in adult continuing education, but is less suited to those learning on their own. THE OPEN UNIVERSITY STELLA HURD A Companion to 'Chretien de Troyes'. Ed. by NORRIS J. LACY and JOANTASKERGRIM BERT. (Arthurian Studies, 63) Cambridge: Brewer. 2005. Xiv + 242 pp. ?45. ISBN I-84384-050-2. This work, edited by well-known figures in the field of Arthurian studies, brings together an engaging collection of articles that span the period from the framing of Chretien's texts to their reception and adaptation by later writers. The first portion of the Companion offers writings that elucidate the background leading up to the works of Chretien de Troyes, including a contribution by one of the editors, Norris J. Lacy, who elaborates on likely source material of Chretien's romances. Keith Busby provides detailed observations in this section on the extant manuscripts of Chretien's ceuvre, including description of the illuminations and their relationship to the written word. Busby also speculates on the possible relationship of the manuscript to the reader and the aspects that may have influenced itsmanner of reception over time. The second section of the Companion delves into the texts themselves, highlight ing, as in the case of Joan Tasker Grimbert's article on Cliges, the intertextual nature of Chretien's romance and, specifically, its link to lyric poetry. Whereas the sections of the work that address the context, historical background, and future impact of Chretien's romances strive to be largely informative, this portion of the Companion provides critical readings of the major romances attributed to Chretien de Troyes. The authors, each treating his or her own specific questions, produce a broad range of critical observations that serve to synthesize and update the criticism of previous decades. Tony Hunt, for example, addresses the paradoxical nature of Le Chevalier au Lion, pointing out ambiguities within both substance and form. Hunt contributes to the scholarship that addresses irony in this text by considering the ambiguity within the knight's very identity. Rupert T. Pickens isolates the elements of the Conte du Graal that distinguish it from Chretien' sprevious works while defining the sometimes misunderstood import of the Grail itself. i io6 Reviews The third part of the book measures the lingering impact of Chretien de Troyes's romances. Annie Combes examines the Continuations of the Conte du Graal, not ing, for example, the prevalence of non-resolution within the text. Michelle Szkilnik considers the influence that Chretien's romances had...