The Romances of Alexander

Abstract

No figure from classical antiquity exerted as firm or constant grip on the medieval imagination as Alexander the Great. Then, as now, Alexander evoked radically different responses. Twentieth century historians have offered interpretations of Alexander that range from the visionary idealist to the ruthless opportunist. A similar dichotomy characterized the medieval views of Alexander. This volume, originally published in 1991, presents English translations of four complete Latin texts essential for any understanding of the fictional treatment of Alexander in the medieval literature of western Europe. The first of these texts is the translation into Latin that Leo of Naples made in the 10th Century of the Greek Alexander Romance. The second is an 11th Century revision and expansion of Leo’s narrative known as the J1 Recension. The third complete work is a letter about the wonders of India that Alexander supposedly wrote to Aristotle. The final translation is a brief 12th Century exemplary tale about Alexander’s visit to the Earthly Paradise. Despite their importance, only one of these works has been translated into its entirety in English. Some of the finest examples of medieval vernacular narrative treat the life of Alexander, and most of these romances make extensive use of one or more of the Latin texts translated in this volume.

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