Comedy of Eros: Medieval French Guides to the Art of Love

This high-spirited collection of medieval French love poetry in modern translation takes delightful advantage of the preoccupation of writers of that time & place with love & sex. Decidedly sexist by today's standards, the volume offers the modern reader translations from seven texts, among them Ovid's "Ars amatoria," one of the earliest "practical" love guides -- a satirical treatise chockablock with shrewd tips for seducers & lovers -- as well as selections from the anonymous "On Courtesy," from Robert de Blois's "Advice to Ladies," & four other works. The illustrations -- 7 woodcuts by Robert & Corinne Borja -- are a blend of modern & medieval styles. Renowned translator Norman R. Shapiro is a prof. at Wesleyan Univ.