This volume contains an entirely new and accessible translation into modern English of the medieval Latin Gesta Romanorum. Based on the standard Gesta edition by Hermann Österley, it is the first such translation to appear since 1824, and the first to take appropriate account of modern scholarly priorities. The Gesta Romanorum are tales drawn from a wide variety of sources, such as classical mythology, legend and historical chronicles, and are accompanied in almost every case by allegorical Christian interpretations. They were enormously popular throughout the Middle Ages, and had a huge influence on many other authors, such as Boccaccio, Chaucer, Gower, Hoccleve, Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw and Thomas Mann. The Gesta is therefore a foundational work of western European literature – as well as one whose lively, well-crafted and often entertaining narratives hold a continuing appeal for contemporary readers.

‘Stace's elegant and accurate edition will be warmly received by readers looking for a reliable translation of this popular and influential work.’
Rebecca Krug, The Medieval Review

‘a translation and introduction that should be warmly welcomed by English-speaking readers and others. Indeed, Stace's translation should establish itself quickly as the standard translation of the Gesta Romanorum.’
Dr. David Elton Gay: Research Associate, Folklore Institute, Indiana University, Fabula 2018

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Christopher Stace is an Independent Scholar and Translator

Nigel Harris is Reader in German at the University of Birmingham