Gesta Romanorum: Entertaining Stories (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781434415752)

Gesta Romanorum is a medieval collection of tales that has been translated and edited by various scholars over the centuries, including Charles Swan. The original Gesta Romanorum (Latin for "Deeds of the Romans") is a compilation of anecdotes, moral tales, and legends that were widely used by preachers and storytellers in the Middle Ages. Although the stories are titled as "deeds of the Romans," they cover a wide range of topics, including classical history, biblical stories, and popular medieval legends.

Charles Swan's translation of Gesta Romanorum offers English-speaking readers access to these fascinating and instructive tales. Each story typically ends with a moral lesson or allegorical interpretation, reflecting the didactic purpose of the collection. These stories were meant to entertain while also imparting moral and religious teachings, making them popular in medieval sermons and literature.

The Gesta Romanorum is notable for its influence on later literature, as many of the tales were adapted or reinterpreted by writers such as Chaucer, Shakespeare, and others. Swan's translation remains an important resource for those interested in medieval literature and the cultural history of storytelling.