The Romance of Tristam and Ysolt
Paperback
RomanceClassic FictionGeneral Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025469560
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 320
Weight: 0.99
Height: 0.67 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Romance of Tristam and Ysolt is a seminal work of medieval literature that captures one of the most enduring and tragic love stories in the Western canon. Attributed to the 12th-century poet Thomas of Britain, this courtly romance explores the forbidden passion between the Cornish knight Tristam and the Irish princess Ysolt. Bound by a magic potion and torn between their intense devotion to one another and their loyalty to King Mark, the protagonists navigate a complex world of chivalric duty, betrayal, and profound longing.
Thomas's version of the legend is celebrated for its psychological depth and its focus on the emotional interiority of its characters, distinguishing it from more action-oriented knightly tales of the era. This narrative serves as a foundational text in the development of the Tristan legend, influencing centuries of literature, music, and art. Readers will find a poignant exploration of the conflict between social obligation and personal desire, rendered with the lyrical elegance characteristic of high medieval romance. As a cornerstone of Arthurian lore, The Romance of Tristam and Ysolt remains an essential read for those interested in the history of courtly love and the evolution of the romantic genre.
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