Four Middle English Romances ─ Sir Isumbras, Octavian, Sir Eglamour of Artois, Sir Tryamour

The four romances, all composed in the northeast Midlands between 1325 and 1375, were among the most popular of the genre, and many manuscripts continued to circulate through the 16th century, the four often bound together. In addition to glossing terms and phrases in the margin, Hudson provides a glossary, introductions, and notes sometimes on the manuscript but more often explaining or expanding some aspect of the narrative. As so often in such editions, she does not indicate in the text when she has something to say in the notes, so readers must flip back and forth frequently to make sure they do not miss something. No date is noted for the first edition, which has been revised and re-formatted for the second. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)