Set in a medieval era of swords, battles, and dragons, King Mark of Cornwall takes in a young boy, with whom he felt a strong connection to even before he learned of their blood relation. When the young boy, Tristan, grows into a brave and honorable man, he is sent to settle a conflict the kingdom had with an Irish settlement. When Tristan goes to fight the Irish champion, he defeats him but is badly wounded. While he is struggling to regain his health, he meets Iseult, an Irish princess, who had been promised to his uncle as a wife. Once Tristan’s health returns, he escorts Iseult to the kingdom of Cornwall. However, when one of Iseult’s maids casts a binding love spell on Tristan and Iseult, they quickly fall into a forbidden love. Caught in a tortured love triangle, Tristan and Iseult try to suppress their love for each other out of respect for King Mark, however, their passion is persistent. Torn between reputation and romance, Tristan and Iseult must fight against their passions to remain chivalrous and honorable.

With dramatic and beautiful writing, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult is an exciting romance novel filled with tragedy, magic, quests, and adventure. Using medieval sources, including the poem that the myth of Tristan and Iseult originated from, Joseph Bédier’s The Romance of Tristan and Iseult is a retelling of a classic star-crossed romance that inspired later iconic love stories such as Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. This influence has even spread to the 21st century, inspiring film adaptations and countless depictions of doomed lovers. Claimed to be one of the most authentic versions of the myth, The Romance of Tristan and Iseult provides detailed insight into medieval culture and folklore.

This edition of The Romance of Tristan and Iseult by Joseph Bédier features a striking new cover design and is printed in a modern font, creating an accessible reading experience for contemporary readers.