Tales from the Gesta Romanorum

A lively anthology of medieval tales, this collection gathers the moral and entertaining stories once whispered in monastic cloisters to teach and amuse. Drawn from the centuries‑old Gesta Romanorum, the narratives span distant lands and fantastical realms, offering knights, merchants, and common folk alike a chance to wrestle with virtues and vices. Their timeless lessons have inspired poets across Europe, and the translator’s careful rendering brings the original charm to modern ears while preserving the period’s sense of wonder.

The book opens with a cozy winter scene at Oxford, where three scholars, snowed in by a relentless storm, turn to the Gesta for merriment between their studies. Their light‑hearted banter and curiosity about the strange, often absurd stories set the tone for a journey through fables that blend humor, mystery, and moral insight. Listeners will enjoy the rich tapestry of characters and situations, each tale inviting reflection on human nature through the lens of medieval imagination.