The Poem of the Cid: Dual Language Edition (Penguin Classics) Paperback – January 8, 1985

This edition of The Poem of the Cid is truly wonderful. For starters, it is a bilingual edition, presenting the reader with the original medieval Spanish text. The translation itself is highly readable. The humour and tension in particular scenes shine in this translation.The story itself is also marvelous. We get a wonderful sense of the confusion and ambiguities of the feudal society. The uniqueness of the Spanish feudal experience comes through brilliantly. The Muslims are dealt with with more accuracy and tolerance than in any other work of medieval literature. The two Jewish characters in the poem -- moneylenders -- are presented without scorn. Indeed, it is the Frankish (probably Norman) count of Barcelona who is portrayed as the moronic outsider. There is much excellent description of medieval warfare, clothing, hommage ceremonies, and use of money, but most enlightening part of the story is the long trial scene.The poem is short, with a fast-paced and coherent plot. It is very easy to read this in one sitting because it is so gripping.

This is a wonderful book! I have never read El poema de mío Cid but have always wanted to, and this book made it possible. The translation is close enough to the original that one can easily go back and forth to clear up any doubts, but English enough to be read fluently.The introduction and notes are both scholarly and well-written. I found them extremely informative.

Book arrived in perfect condition, print could be a little bigger but appears to be of good quality. The really nice thing I hadn’t expected is the original Spanish isn’t before or after, it’s ALONGSIDE, making for a convenient and enjoyable comparison. A gift for my father whose native language is Spanish but now speaks more English.

I bought this book because I am planning a trip to Spain this summer and because I have always wanted to read "The Poem of the Cid". As a bonus,there are several maps and notes included to help the reader. On the whole, I enjoyed reading the poem and the translation appears to be very good. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Spain or medieval Europe .

Classic medieval literature

This dual language book is excellent for teaching the Cid to English speaking students, providing the necessary back up to the medieval Castillian that is difficult for undergraduates. The introductory materials provide all the necessary background from a literary, historical and linguistic perspective.

In a world of ever-decreasing access to truly authentic antiquity, I am so happy that Penguin Books opted to publish this in the original medieval Spanish. As a linguist specializing in Romance / Italic and Germanic languages, I was delighted to find an affordable publishing of this historic literature.

Classic poem in a nice edition. The parallel translations is nice.