Older than even the Arthurian myths, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult originated in the 12th century and inspired countless other tales of star-crossed lovers. Rooted in Celtic legend and French poetry, the tradition has been interpreted in the form of story, song, and artworks. This stunning hardcover edition features a subtle color treatment by German illustrator Robert Engels that brings the tale to life with effects similar to those of modern graphic novels. Recounted by French medievalist Joseph Bédier and expertly translated by Hilaire Belloc, the story blends visual impact with literary quality. "Among works attractive by their rare artistic finish, beauty of illustration, and loftiness of purpose, this should undoubtedly take high rank."?British Books.

Author and scholar Joseph Bédier (1864?1938) was an expert on medieval French history. He established his reputation as a writer with the 1900 publication of Le roman de Tristan et Iseult and as a scholar with Les Légendes épiques, a four-volume study of the origins of French epic poetry.German illustrator Robert Engels (1866?1926) was educated at Düsseldorf's Academy of Art and taught at the Munich Academy. He particularly excelled at the depiction of legends and sagas.Anglo-French author and historian Hilaire Belloc (1870?1953) was among the 20th century's most prolific writers; his works included poetry, essays, and travel books.