The Sowdone of Bablyone and of Ferumbras his Sone who Conquerede Rome

Volume V of The English Charlemagne Romances

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Printing Details

Reprint. Hardback bound in the original tan cloth with gilt titling to spine and upper board. 22 × 14.5cm, lxvii + 144pp.

The Sowdone of Babylone (the Sultan of Babylon) is one of the many medieval tales dealing with the exploits of Charlemagne and his band of retainers known as the Twelve Peers. The Sowdone of Babylone survives in only one manuscript and dates from the mid-fifteenth century. The poem itself must have been written in the late fourteenth or the early fifteenth century since it contains echoes of Chaucer's Canterbury Tales. A lengthy introduction is followed by the poem in the original Middle English, with extensive notes.

Condition

This copy is in good solid condition, but with light and infrequent foxing and a little sunning to the boards.