History of William Marshal, Vol. II: Text and Translation (ll. 10032-Maney Publishingend) by A. J. Holden, S. GregoryHistory of William Marshal, Vol. III: Introduction, Notes, Indices by A. J. Holden

Abstract

MLR, 103.3, 2oo8 849 listofmanuscript variants, a selective glossary, and indexes ofproper names. In terms of editorial method, Blacker has edited the 'base manuscripts' more or less in their entirety, with variants fromothermanuscripts listed separately. This means that she has avoided the problem of 'patchwork' textswhich aremade up of bits and pieces from severalmanuscripts, resulting in a text which does not appear inanymanuscript but isentirely a compilationof theeditor's. Blacker's method is tobe preferred, though the selected variants might be more select: some of those listed are so tiny as to be hardlyworth noting (see, forexample, line 544 in theDurham textand itsvariants). Some of the editorial choices reduce the user-friendliness of the edition. Readers may have difficultyunderstanding the system of referencing,which isnot adequately explained: forexample, the use of bracketed line numbers in italics firstoccurs on page 4 but isnot explained until page 17.With regard to the critical apparatus, the variants and notes would have been better placed aftereach text, rather than grouped together right at the end. More could have been said about the differences between the two versions of the prophecies, which are greater than Blacker indicates in the introduction (pp. 9-IO). She suggests separate origins for the twoversions, based on different redactions of theHistoria, and this is certainly plausible butmerits amore detailed discussion. Nevertheless, this is an impressive work of scholarship from a highly experienced scholar who is a leader in her field. The edition makes a strong contribution to Arthurian studies and ishighly recommended, not just toOld French scholars, but to anyone interested in theBrut tradition and the role ofprophecy in medieval literature. SWANSEA UNIVERSITY HELEN FULTON History ofWilliam Marshal, vol. II: Text and Translation(11. I0032-end). Ed. byA. J. HOLDEN, with English translation by S. GREGORY. London: Anglo-Norman TextSociety. 2004. v+500pp. ?49. ISBN978-o-905474-45-8. History of William Marshal, vol. III: Introduction,Notes, Indices. Ed. byA. J.HOLDEN, with historical notes by D. CROUCH. London: Anglo-Norman Text Society. 2oo6. V+237 pp. ?49. ISBN 978-o-905474-48-9. For details of theonly previous edition ofL'Histoire deGuillaume le Marechal by Paul Meyer, and of the only manuscript which contains thework, the reader is referred to the review of the firstvolume of the current edition (MLR, I00 (2005), 208-og). Composed in theearly to mid- I220S by a certain 'Johans', thework was commissioned byWilliam Marshal's eldest son followinghis father's death in I2I9. Volume ii, likeVolume i,has textand translation on facing pages, togetherwith a listof rejected readings covering theentirework. The storypicks up in mid-sentence, with King Richard returning toEngland after the ransom was paid forhis release. As a senior baron,William assists Richard in regaining control of strongholds firstly inEngland, then inNormandy and Flanders, where he wrests control of them from the king of France. Eventually, Richard ismortally wounded andWilliam plays an important role inensuring the succession-a role overplayed by thewriter, according to thenotes.William continues tobe a loyal servant toKing John,despite the latter's growing antipathy towards him and his various attempts todeprive him of power and lands, particularly those in Ireland. Much of the account of John's reign is taken up with warring inFrance, where he struggles to retainhis lands against theFrench king, Philippe Auguste. When a number ofEnglish barons revolt against John, they invite the French king's son Louis to bring men to England, and the finalpart of John's reign is taken up with conflict inEngland, during which John falls ill and dies. His dyingwish is that William should become theguardian of his young sonHenry. The 850 Reviews Marshal accordingly protects theyoung king's interestsand organizes the fightingon his behalf against Louis and his opponents inEngland until his own death. There is a lengthy account of the successful battle against the French forces at Lincoln, and the routing of the French fleetsent by Philippe Auguste as reinforcements. The Marshal's illness and deathbed scene complete thenarrative. The manuscript texthas a number of lacunae and defective lines,but its transcrip tionmay safely be assumed tobe accurate, and the translation reads well. The writer naturally portrays the Marshal in a favourable light, while working conscientiously...