Chretien de Troyes was a late 12th century French poet known for his work on Arthurian subjects, and for originating the character Lancelot. This work represents some of the best-regarded of medieval literature. His use of structure, particularly in Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, has been seen as a step towards the modern novel. Between 1160 and 1172 he served at the court of his patroness Marie of France, Countess of Champagne, daughter of Eleanor of Aquitaine.About the translator: William Wistar Comfort (1874-1955) was president of Haverford College, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Born in Germantown, Pennsylvania and raised a Quaker, he from Haverford College in 1894 and from Harvard University with a Ph.D. in 1902. Ph.D. His thesis was titled: "The Development of the Character Types in the French Chansons de Geste." He was a prolific writer and speaker on Quaker topics, but also on such diverse subjects as William Cowper, children's stories, education and music.
Chretien de Troyes was a late 12th century French poet known for his work on Arthurian subjects, and for originating the character Lancelot. This work represents some of the best-regarded of medieval literature. His use of structure, particularly in Yvain, the Knight of the Lion, has been seen as...