The Chronicle of Turpin in Saintonge
C. Meredith-Jones
THE authority with which, during the Middle Ages, Chronicle of Turpin was regarded by chroniclers and learned writers is amply illustrated extremely large number manuscripts in which it still preserved. Its popularity amongst unlettered people has, however, been to a great extent ignored scholars who have confined their studies mostly technical problems raised Latin text. As long ago as 1865, Gaston Paris drew attention existence five Old French translations Chronicle, made separately at different places thirteenth century.' Although many these exist widely scattered libraries, three only versions yet published. None them, perhaps, offers scholar interested popular development mediaeval Carolingian legends more fertile field for research than one I shall call Saintongese version.2 The Count Baldwin Hainaut, so says Introduction, had sent clerk on tour exploration, object bringing back copy History fabulous deeds Charlemagne his knights Archbishop believed compiled. When this found Sens, Burgundy, scribe copied out text presented master. This willed death Yolande, countess Saint Paul, her brother she, later date, somewhere around year 1200, caused be translated into French. was, usual Chronicles, provide an authentic version story contemporary jongleurs story-tellers revised unrecognizable forms: 'Maintes gens en ont oi conter e chanter, mes nest si mensongie non co quil dient chantent cil iogleor ne conteor. Nus contes rimes verais; tot est menssongie quar il sevient rien fors par oir dire.'3 original translation now lost, but some fifty years recopied times. latest revision known Poitevin or version; preserved late thirteenth-century manuscripts: Bibliotheque Nationale 5714, 124 MS. Lee (in possession heirs F. W. Bourdillon). It again modern 1527, fresh interpolations were added. 1527 printed edition long, error, work Robert Gaguin.4 do not offer identical readings represent two copies times scribes has disappeared. B.N. older, does give rendering; nor
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