About the book
A splendid translation of the classic Arthurian tale of enchantment, adventure, and romance, presented alongside the original Middle English text—from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and “one of the greatest poets of our age … the Thoreau of our era” (Edward Hirsch).
It is the height of Christmas and New Year’s revelry when an enormous knight with brilliant green clothes and skin descends upon King Arthur’s court. He presents a sinister challenge: he will endure a blow of the axe to his neck without offering any resistance, but whoever gives the blow must promise to take the same in exactly a year and a day’s time. The young Sir Gawain quickly rises to the challenge, and the poem tells of the adventures he finds—an almost irresistible seduction, shockingly brutal hunts, and terrifyingly powerful villains—as he endeavors to fulfill his promise.
Capturing the pace, impact, and richly alliterative language of the original text, W. S. Merwin has imparted a new immediacy to a spellbinding narrative, written centuries ago by a poet whose name is now unknown, lost to time. Of the Green Knight, Merwin notes in his foreword: “We seem to recognize him—his splendor, the awe that surrounds him, his menace and his grace—without being able to place him … We will never know who the Green Knight is except in our own response to him.”
Editions of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780375414763
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375709920
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307546098
Read an Excerpt
A splendid translation of the classic Arthurian tale of enchantment, adventure, and romance, presented alongside the original Middle English text—from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and “one of the greatest poets of our age … the Thoreau of our era” (Edward Hirsch).
It is the height of Christmas and New Year’s revelry when an enormous knight with brilliant green clothes and skin descends upon King Arthur’s court. He presents a sinister challenge: he will endure a blow of the axe to his neck without offering any resistance, but whoever gives the blow must promise to take the same in exactly a year and a day’s time. The young Sir Gawain quickly rises to the challenge, and the poem tells of the adventures he finds—an almost irresistible seduction, shockingly brutal hunts, and terrifyingly powerful villains—as he endeavors to fulfill his promise.
Capturing the pace, impact, and richly alliterative language of the original text, W. S. Merwin has imparted a new immediacy to a spellbinding narrative, written centuries ago by a poet whose name is now unknown, lost to time. Of the Green Knight, Merwin notes in his foreword: “We seem to recognize him—his splendor, the awe that surrounds him, his menace and his grace—without being able to place him … We will never know who the Green Knight is except in our own response to him.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sir Gawain and the Green Knight about?
A splendid translation of the classic Arthurian tale of enchantment, adventure, and romance, presented alongside the original Middle English text—from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and “one of the greatest poets of our age … the Thoreau of our era” (Edward Hirsch).
It is the height of Christmas and New Year’s revelry when an enormous knight with brilliant green clothes and skin descends upon King Arthur’s court. He presents a sinister challenge: he will endure a blow of the axe to his neck without offering any resistance, but whoever gives the blow must promise to take the same in exactly a year and a day’s time. The young Sir Gawain quickly rises to the challenge, and the poem tells of the adventures he finds—an almost irresistible seduction, shockingly brutal hunts, and terrifyingly powerful villains—as he endeavors to fulfill his promise.
Capturing the pace, impact, and richly alliterative language of the original text, W. S. Merwin has imparted a new immediacy to a spellbinding narrative, written centuries ago by a poet whose name is now unknown, lost to time. Of the Green Knight, Merwin notes in his foreword: “We seem to recognize him—his splendor, the awe that surrounds him, his menace and his grace—without being able to place him … We will never know who the Green Knight is except in our own response to him.”
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems > Classic poetry / poems
Where can I read a sample of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375414763
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?
Penguin Random House, USA
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Sir Gawain and the Green Knight is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780375414763) and paperback(ISBN 9780375709920) and ebook(ISBN 9780307546098)
Where can I buy Sir Gawain and the Green Knight online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Sir Gawain and the Green Knight from below
Where can I buy Sir Gawain and the Green Knight?