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This translation of the four Arthurian romances of Chrétien de Troyes is intended primarily for students of literature who may not be conversant with twelfth-century French. At the time the task was undertaken, none of these romances could be read in a literal English translation. When it is understood that Chrétien more than any other individual is responsible for having determined the nature and significance of the Arthurian legends in modern literature, no apology is needed for the task here attempted.

In preparing such an English translation, exactness has been the chief consideration. To tell the stories in modern English prose without additions or omissions has been my aim. No liberties have been taken with the original, except in the case of a few tenses, where the past has been used instead of the present to avoid an excessively awkward anachronism.

The notes are intended for the "gentle" reader whose thirst may at times be whetted for further information.

In the Bibliography will be found a list of selected books dealing with Chrétien de Troyes and with the larger question of the origin and development of the so-called Breton material—a moot question of such vast scope that it can hardly be touched upon in the narrow compass of the introductory chapter.

For encouragement and for many helpful suggestions I am indebted to my colleagues at Cornell University, Professors Lane Cooper and George L. Hamilton; also to Professor F. B. Gummere of Haverford College, Professor A. C. L. Brown of Northwestern University, and Dr. Howard Maynadier of Harvard University.