William Caxton’s “Paris and Vienne” and “Blanchardyn and Eglantine”

These texts are English versions of romances well known in medieval and early Renaissance Europe, but outside the modern canon of early English literature. Unlike Caxton's other romances, they do not belong to the matters of the Nine Worthies; they are independent narratives of love and adventure presenting two differing but complementary accounts of chivalry and courtly love. Following fifteenth-century fashions, they treat conventional materials with a degree of realism and imbue characters with subjectivity. "Blanchardyn," published at the behest of Margaret, mother of Henry VII, is militaristic and attentive to governance, and notable for its affective, redundant narration and sophisticated style. "Paris" features a linear plot, lively characters, and employs generic motifs to explore issues of social mobility, family dynamics, and female autonomy.

Blanchardyn and Eglantine and Paris and Vienne were last edited in 1890 and 1957, respectively. This edition incorporates recent scholarship and criticism, including new critical editions of French texts closely related to Caxton's sources for both romances. Other relevant scholarly traditions include: studies of the two romances and late medieval romance in England and France; gender studies, especially the role of women in these narratives; scholarship relating to the owners and readers of Caxton's romances and associated manuscripts; studies of courtesy literature and its relationship to romance; and scholarship on Caxton, his career, publications, prose style, and language.