Synopsis
The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, translated from the French by an anonymous writer whom scholarship locates in London. It features a storytelling contest to save a prince from execution, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes".
The text relates a tale-telling competition between parties arguing for and against the execution of Florentine, the emperor of Rome’s son. The emperor’s second wife wants Florentine dead because he threatens her position at court; she tells tales of usurping sons and untrustworthy counsellors. In response, the sages tell tales of perfidious wives and the dangers of haste. The emperor vacillates until his son speaks in his own favour and the contest is decided.
The collection is one of the earliest Middle English examples of a set of "frame stories". The frame narrative of the Seven Sages originates in eighth-century Persia; it was well known during the Middle Ages, and was translated into all the vernaculars and Latin. This edition makes the Middle English poem newly available to students and researchers interested in topics including medieval misogyny, east-to-west cultural transfer, and the history of the exemplum and exemplary writing.
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About the Author
Rory G. Critten is Assistant Professor of Medieval English Literature at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland. Alison Wiggins is Reader in English Language and Manuscripts in the English Language & Linguistics Subject Area, University of Glasgow, Scotland, UK.
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Middle English Seven Sages of Rome
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Paperback. Condition: New. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, translated from the French by an anonymous writer whom scholarship locates in London. It features a storytelling contest to save a prince from execution, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes".The text relates a tale-telling competition between parties arguing for and against the execution of Florentine, the emperor of Rome's son. The emperor's second wife wants Florentine dead because he threatens her position at court; she tells tales of usurping sons and untrustworthy counsellors. In response, the sages tell tales of perfidious wives and the dangers of haste. The emperor vacillates until his son speaks in his own favour and the contest is decided. The collection is one of the earliest Middle English examples of a set of "frame stories". The frame narrative of the Seven Sages originates in eighth-century Persia; it was well known during the Middle Ages, and was translated into all the vernaculars and Latin. This edition makes the Middle English poem newly available to students and researchers interested in topics including medieval misogyny, east-to-west cultural transfer, and the history of the exemplum and exemplary writing. Seller Inventory # LU-9781580447133
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, translated from the French by an anonymous writer whom scholarship locates in London. It features a storytelling contest to save a prince from execution, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes".The text relates a tale-telling competition between parties arguing for and against the execution of Florentine, the emperor of Romes son. The emperors second wife wants Florentine dead because he threatens her position at court; she tells tales of usurping sons and untrustworthy counsellors. In response, the sages tell tales of perfidious wives and the dangers of haste. The emperor vacillates until his son speaks in his own favour and the contest is decided. The collection is one of the earliest Middle English examples of a set of "frame stories". The frame narrative of the Seven Sages originates in eighth-century Persia; it was well known during the Middle Ages, and was translated into all the vernaculars and Latin. This edition makes the Middle English poem newly available to students and researchers interested in topics including medieval misogyny, east-to-west cultural transfer, and the history of the exemplum and exemplary writing. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, featuring a storytelling contest, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes". This edition makes the Middle English poem available to students and researchers. Shipping may be from multiple locations in the US or from the UK, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781580447133
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Paperback. Condition: new. Paperback. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, translated from the French by an anonymous writer whom scholarship locates in London. It features a storytelling contest to save a prince from execution, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes".The text relates a tale-telling competition between parties arguing for and against the execution of Florentine, the emperor of Romes son. The emperors second wife wants Florentine dead because he threatens her position at court; she tells tales of usurping sons and untrustworthy counsellors. In response, the sages tell tales of perfidious wives and the dangers of haste. The emperor vacillates until his son speaks in his own favour and the contest is decided. The collection is one of the earliest Middle English examples of a set of "frame stories". The frame narrative of the Seven Sages originates in eighth-century Persia; it was well known during the Middle Ages, and was translated into all the vernaculars and Latin. This edition makes the Middle English poem newly available to students and researchers interested in topics including medieval misogyny, east-to-west cultural transfer, and the history of the exemplum and exemplary writing. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, featuring a storytelling contest, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes". This edition makes the Middle English poem available to students and researchers. Shipping may be from our Sydney, NSW warehouse or from our UK or US warehouse, depending on stock availability. Seller Inventory # 9781580447133
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The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome
Published by
Medieval Institute Publications, US, 2026
ISBN 10: 1580447139
ISBN 13: 9781580447133
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Paperback
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Paperback. Condition: New. The Middle English Seven Sages of Rome (c.1300) is a popular medieval framed narrative, translated from the French by an anonymous writer whom scholarship locates in London. It features a storytelling contest to save a prince from execution, with misogynistic tales of wicked women and wise counsellors, reflecting its Eastern origins and the medieval concept of a "mirror for princes".The text relates a tale-telling competition between parties arguing for and against the execution of Florentine, the emperor of Rome's son. The emperor's second wife wants Florentine dead because he threatens her position at court; she tells tales of usurping sons and untrustworthy counsellors. In response, the sages tell tales of perfidious wives and the dangers of haste. The emperor vacillates until his son speaks in his own favour and the contest is decided. The collection is one of the earliest Middle English examples of a set of "frame stories". The frame narrative of the Seven Sages originates in eighth-century Persia; it was well known during the Middle Ages, and was translated into all the vernaculars and Latin. This edition makes the Middle English poem newly available to students and researchers interested in topics including medieval misogyny, east-to-west cultural transfer, and the history of the exemplum and exemplary writing. Seller Inventory # LU-9781580447133