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Rating: 
Summary: Not what I expected, but intriguing and interesting.
Review: Once long ago, I had read a book about the Cid, and I expected this poem to give a similar story, but it didn't, hence the 4 stars. However, I did enjoy this book because of the beautiful translation, and also because of the medieval feel the translation had. I definitely enjoyed the poem once I realized that the story was different, but really, that is not the fault of this book, but rather the book I had read before. Anyhow, for those who want to know about the Cid and his great deeds, read this book first. Enjoy! :)
Rating:
Summary: Not what I expected, but intriguing and interesting.
Review: Once long ago, I had read a book about the Cid, and I expected this poem to give a similar story, but it didn't, hence the 4 stars. However, I did enjoy this book because of the beautiful translation, and also because of the medieval feel the translation had. I definitely enjoyed the poem once I realized that the story was different, but really, that is not the fault of this book, but rather the book I had read before. Anyhow, for those who want to know about the Cid and his great deeds, read this book first. Enjoy! :)
Rating: 
Summary: Absolutely wonderful
Review: This edition of The Poem of the Cid is truly wonderful. For starters, it is a bilingual edition, presenting the reader with the original medieval Spanish text. The translation itself is highly readable. The humour and tension in particular scenes shine in this translation.The story itself is also marvelous. We get a wonderful sense of the confusion and ambiguities of the feudal society. The uniqueness of the Spanish feudal experience comes through brilliantly. The Muslims are dealt with with more accuracy and tolerance than in any other work of medieval literature. The two Jewish characters in the poem -- moneylenders -- are presented without scorn. Indeed, it is the Frankish (probably Norman) count of Barcelona who is portrayed as the moronic outsider. There is much excellent description of medieval warfare, clothing, hommage ceremonies, and use of money, but most enlightening part of the story is the long trial scene. The poem is short, with a fast-paced and coherent plot. It is very easy to read this in one sitting because it is so gripping.
Rating:
Summary: Absolutely wonderful
Review: This edition of The Poem of the Cid is truly wonderful. For starters, it is a bilingual edition, presenting the reader with the original medieval Spanish text. The translation itself is highly readable. The humour and tension in particular scenes shine in this translation. The story itself is also marvelous. We get a wonderful sense of the confusion and ambiguities of the feudal society. The uniqueness of the Spanish feudal experience comes through brilliantly. The Muslims are dealt with with more accuracy and tolerance than in any other work of medieval literature. The two Jewish characters in the poem -- moneylenders -- are presented without scorn. Indeed, it is the Frankish (probably Norman) count of Barcelona who is portrayed as the moronic outsider. There is much excellent description of medieval warfare, clothing, hommage ceremonies, and use of money, but most enlightening part of the story is the long trial scene. The poem is short, with a fast-paced and coherent plot. It is very easy to read this in one sitting because it is so gripping.
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