Rating: 
Summary: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
Review: ...Keith Harrison's verse translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight (New York: Oxford University Press, 1998) is a fine read. The translation emphasizes the subtleties of the work while appealing to the modern reader through use of good diction and alliterative language. In effect, the reader joins Sir Gawain in his quest to meet the Green Knight, witnessing both Gawain the man and Gawain the romance hero in the process.The "Introduction" by Helen Cooper was very helpful in that it gives the reader good background knowledge concerning a.) the unknown poet who wrote the story, b.) other stories that the poet wrote, c.) the idea of romance in French and English literature of the Middle Ages, and d.) the poem itself. Also included in the "Introduction" is a discussion of the poetic devices used (such as alliteration, beat, and rhythm). The "Translator's Note" further discusses the "tempo, tone and diction" of the translated work. A "Chronology" with the dates of important events (near the time when the work was most likely written) helps the reader get a better idea of the times and surroundings of the original author. Ten pages of explanatory notes are included at the end of the story which discuss allegories and problems or conflicts in translation as well as interesting literary devices used by the author. The price of the book is well deserved; the story of Sir Gawain comes to life in a way that is not capable in other translations. The tale of this famous knight of King Arthur's court is captivating from the Green Knight's entrance till the unpredictable end. A great read for all lovers of medieval texts and romance literature.
Rating: 
Summary: The Structure of the Romance
Review: By replacing many archaic expressions with more modern phrases, this translated version of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight makes the romance more accessible to the general public. The translator's writing conveys the subtle details within the text gracefully and meaningfully so that the reader can grasp the general atmosphere of the story as well as the more significant details of each line. This text's contents are great for analysis in a classroom yet also amusing for a bedtime read. Although in many texts the explanatory notes in the back of the book disrupts the reader's concentration from the actual text and destroys the general flow of the novel, in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight this is not an issue. The translator's writing is detailed and clear enough so that the reader does not need to refer to the appendix of the book to understand a certain phrase or line. The translator's attention to both metric flow and detail contributes to the success of the text.
The Introduction, written by Helen Cooper, is helpful yet is also a spoiler. Cooper describes to the reader the original author's writing style as well as gives the reader a background on Arthurian romances and poetic structure. However, during her process of explaining the elements of the book and the character of Sir Gawain to the reader, Cooper reveals the unfolding plot of the novel. While clearly written and easily understandable, the Introduction to Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is too informal a writing to such a sophisticated text.
Rating:
Summary: Reading underneath the decisions of Gawain
Review: Keith Harrison's translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a masterful classic that creates a new world in the reader's mind dating back to the times of Arthur's Round Table. Detailing the travels of the knight Sir Gawain, this tale exemplifies the genre of writing characteristic of Arthurian romances. The style sees the use of alliteration in pentameter showing a great appreciation of the ideals of poetry to accompany the basis of recreating a story passed down through generations. In addition, the short story does a prototypical job in portraying the values of the chivalric life. Using the pentangle as his model of excellence, the poet brings about a new understanding within the reader of the underlying morals that are at the heart of every Arthurian knight. But even without a deep respect of the style of writing, the reader finds in Keith Harrison's SGGK a great retelling of a story that follows the up's and down's of Gawain and his quest for the Green Knight. Within the visible, physical struggle, an inner, mental conflict between the knight's own mindset as a romance hero and his all too obvious humanity becomes the dominant force in the narrative. The inner struggle is something that every human being, from past ages or modern cultures will face. The deeper meaning in SGGK provides a backbone to a story beautifully translated into modern poetry. Because of the story's symbolic undertones, the recommendation is for the reader to read through the story once for its basic hero story and next to answer the question of why the Green Knight did not kill Gawain to upend his side of the deal. The realization then becomes the connection that Gawain's weaknesses have with your own human flaws. Because of the correlation between Gawain and the common man, this story has survived the test of time and space.
Rating:
Summary: Reading underneath the decisions of Gawain
Review: Keith Harrison's translation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a masterful classic that creates a new world in the reader's mind dating back to the times of Arthur's Round Table. Detailing the travels of the knight Sir Gawain, this tale exemplifies the genre of writing characteristic of Arthurian romances. The style sees the use of alliteration in pentameter showing a great appreciation of the ideals of poetry to accompany the basis of recreating a story passed down through generations. In addition, the short story does a prototypical job in portraying the values of the chivalric life. Using the pentangle as his model of excellence, the poet brings about a new understanding within the reader of the underlying morals that are at the heart of every Arthurian knight. But even without a deep respect of the style of writing, the reader finds in Keith Harrison's SGGK a great retelling of a story that follows the up's and down's of Gawain and his quest for the Green Knight. Within the visible, physical struggle, an inner, mental conflict between the knight's own mindset as a romance hero and his all too obvious humanity becomes the dominant force in the narrative. The inner struggle is something that every human being, from past ages or modern cultures will face. The deeper meaning in SGGK provides a backbone to a story beautifully translated into modern poetry. Because of the story's symbolic undertones, the recommendation is for the reader to read through the story once for its basic hero story and next to answer the question of why the Green Knight did not kill Gawain to upend his side of the deal. The realization then becomes the connection that Gawain's weaknesses have with your own human flaws. Because of the correlation between Gawain and the common man, this story has survived the test of time and space.
Rating:
Summary: A classic worthy of the name
Review: Many would-be readers are put-off by the word "classic," inferring that anything tagged with that label is necessarily dry, inaccessible, and out-of-touch. Sadly, they're often right. But the immortal tale of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is one book from Oxford World's Classics no fan of Arthurian literature can afford to miss. You want it, it's here: action and romance, mystery and suspense, a heroic quest and a seemingly diabolic villain, and some of the most beautiful word-play ever put to paper, all wonderfully rendered in a fine easy-to-grasp translation by Keith Harrison. Readers expecting the same Gawain from Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur may be in for a bit of shock. The titular hero of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is far more valiant than later writers chose to present him. Indeed, even the mighty Lancelot pales next to Gawain here. When the inscrutable Green Knight thunders into Camelot to challenge the King, none but Gawain dares step forward to accept the challenge on Arthur's behalf. It's clear that in the eys of this poem's author, Gawain--not Lancelot--was chivalry's greatest champion. Though a story told in verse, Harrison's Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is actually easier reading than any edition of Malory I've seen, while the strong introduction and explanatory notes take care of most of the trouble spots. Acccessibility was clearly a major priority. Like all the best stories, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is never the same twice. I first encountered this timeless tale years ago in college, but reading Harrison's edition was a whole new experience. The poem is full of symbolism and raises many questions about the nature of chivalry, heroism, courtesy, sin, success, failure, and duty--someof which the poet leaves to the reader to answer for himself. For those of you who haven't read this poem for a while, Harrison's translation is a great way to get reacquainted with an old friend. And to those who have never read it, fearful of yet another barren "classic," give it a shot. It's definitely worth it.
Rating:
Summary: gawain comes alive
Review: Over the years I've read versions of this poem by numerous people: Brian Stone (the best before this), Tolkien, Raffael, Silverstein, and the archaic and almost unreadable version by Marie Boroff, and more. This is by far and away the best I've come across so far. For one thing, it's astonishingly accurate. Second, it's in a highhly crafted and subtly alliterated modern English. It SOUNDS like someone telling a story not putting on a literary manner and trying to sound important. I despaired of ever being able to introduce my students in reading groups to a convincing translation of this marvelous tale, and here it is. I listened to this version on Public Radio years ago and was captivated. Now I have the book and will delight in sharing the story with my students with a confidence I never had in any of the other translations. Fine introduction too - by the author and by Helen Cooper. Very highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: ...
Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was an interesting book to read. The imagery of nature throughout the book played an important role in Gawain's quest. There was also more focus on Gawain's struggle between being a man and a romantic hero than in other tales. His inner conflict came out in little actions and words and Harrison really tries to let the reader see the emotional conflict while Gawain is searching for the Green Knight. The twisted ending also makes the book appealing because it is unlike most Arthurian literature which directly glorifies the knight. In comparison to other Arthuirian literature, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight praises Gawain in the end not only for his combative skills but also for his beliefs and strong dedication to honor and faith. He comes out a hero not only because he accepts a quest but also because of his beliefs after he fails in his faith. Arthurian literature is laced with double meanings and allegories, especially in The Green Knight. It's a great representation of what medieval literature focued on and the basis of great knights. In comparison to Wace's Roman de Brut, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a much better read. :)
Rating:
Summary: ...
Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight was an interesting book to read. The imagery of nature throughout the book played an important role in Gawain's quest. There was also more focus on Gawain's struggle between being a man and a romantic hero than in other tales. His inner conflict came out in little actions and words and Harrison really tries to let the reader see the emotional conflict while Gawain is searching for the Green Knight. The twisted ending also makes the book appealing because it is unlike most Arthurian literature which directly glorifies the knight. In comparison to other Arthuirian literature, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight praises Gawain in the end not only for his combative skills but also for his beliefs and strong dedication to honor and faith. He comes out a hero not only because he accepts a quest but also because of his beliefs after he fails in his faith. Arthurian literature is laced with double meanings and allegories, especially in The Green Knight. It's a great representation of what medieval literature focued on and the basis of great knights. In comparison to Wace's Roman de Brut, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is a much better read. :)
Rating:
Summary: Good for starters-well worth the buy
Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, among the tales of Arthur and his knights, presents one of the most moving, exciting, and human accounts of medieval knighthood. Keith Harrison's translation (Oxford University Press, 1998.) finds a compromise with the tale, positioning it half way between the original and modern English. Preserving the rhythmic structure of the poem, Harrison preserves much of the mood and lyrical nature of the tale. This printing contains, in addition to the text, a significant explanatory introduction relating the process of Harrison's translation. Coupled with the explanatory notes, Harrison's presentation of Gawain is an effective medium for the introduction to, familiarization with, and appreciation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The story itself is worth the money paid, and Harrison's edition of Sir Gawain acts as a great addition to any medieval collection. (MDV102.3)
Rating:
Summary: Good for starters-well worth the buy
Review: Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, among the tales of Arthur and his knights, presents one of the most moving, exciting, and human accounts of medieval knighthood. Keith Harrison's translation (Oxford University Press, 1998.) finds a compromise with the tale, positioning it half way between the original and modern English. Preserving the rhythmic structure of the poem, Harrison preserves much of the mood and lyrical nature of the tale. This printing contains, in addition to the text, a significant explanatory introduction relating the process of Harrison's translation. Coupled with the explanatory notes, Harrison's presentation of Gawain is an effective medium for the introduction to, familiarization with, and appreciation of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight. The story itself is worth the money paid, and Harrison's edition of Sir Gawain acts as a great addition to any medieval collection. (MDV102.3)
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