FINE FACSIMILE OF THE SONG OF ROLDAN: A JEWEL OF THE SONGS OF GESTA
The fine facsimile of the Song of Roland is an essential work for lovers of medieval literature and history. This epic poem, which narrates the exploits of Roland, the brave nephew of Charlemagne, has been a pillar of French and European literature. At Patrimonio Ediciones you can buy the fine facsimile of the Song of Roland in a limited edition that captures the essence of the original work.
What is the Song of Roland?
The Song of Roland, written in the 11th century, is one of the most outstanding examples of the cantar de gesta, a genre that glorifies the exploits of heroes and historical figures. The story focuses on the battle of Roncesvalles and the values of loyalty, honour and sacrifice.
Importance of the fine Facsimile of the Song of Roland
A fine facsimile of the Song of Roland allows readers to appreciate the richness of the text in its original format. This edition is not only a visual delight, but also offers an authentic experience, preserving the style and calligraphy of the period. Ideal for collectors and scholars, the fine facsimile is a window into the past that revives the grandeur of this masterpiece.
The codex in question is an illuminated copy from the 14th century, written in the French-Italian romance language, which belonged to the Gonzaga family, dukes of Mantua. They were powerful princes, passionate about art and prominent patrons of the arts; both Mantegna and Pisanello were painters at their court. From the 18th century onwards, the manuscript became part of the Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana in Venice.
Why buy the fine facsimile of the Cantar de Roldán from Patrimonio Ediciones?
Our facsimile of the Song of Roland contains 407 images of his battles. The vividly realistic illuminations do not exclude scenes of stark rawness, and are undoubtedly among the best in the art of illumination of the time, thanks also to the richness and mastery of the treatment of colour.
At Patrimonio Ediciones, we are committed to offering high quality reproductions. Our fine facsimile of the Song of Roland is printed on vegetable parchment. The binding is meticulously handmade in natural silk velvet on board. It also includes a translation of the French-Italian text into Spanish, enriching the reader’s experience. The fine facsimile edition of the Song of Roland is unabridged, worldwide limited to 921 numbered and notarised copies.
Current location: Entrée D’Espagne, Biblioteca Nazionale Marciana. Ms. Fr. Z21 (= 257).
Period / patron: Padova, 1343 S.XIV. Luigi Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua.
Dimensions / extension: 288x186mm 612 pages of parchment.
Illustrations: 407 illuminated with spectacular gold and silver.
Handmade binding: Natural silk velvet on board.
Facsimile edition: Complete, globally limited to 921 copies numbered and notarized authenticated.
Volume of studies: 318 pages. Contains translation of the French-Italian text into Spanish by Dr. Carlos Alvar and iconographic study by Prof. Susy Marcon.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE SONG OF ROLDAN: THE BIRTH OF EUROPE
The empire was born, or rather reborn, for in the eyes of the protagonists it was none other than the revival of the Roman Empire, Christianised.
At Christmas 800, a new political space emerged: a Europe in which France and Germany were the main partners, and in which Italy was more integrated than the South, Catalonia more than the rest of Spain, while Great Britain continued to be substantially alien to it. This Nordic and continental Europe, Latin by culture, is Charlemagne’s legacy. It is no coincidence that even today, the heart and brain of the union are still to be found in Brussels, Strasbourg or Maastricht, in the heart of the former Frankish kingdom.
Presentation of the fine facsimile of El cantar de Roldán during the official visit of His Majesty the King to Roncesvalles.
Who was Charlemagne?
Charlemagne (742-814) was king of the Franks from 768 and emperor of the West from 800. He invaded Lombardy, Bavaria and Saxony. His expansionist ambitions included the Iberian Peninsula, which could not yet be called Spain. He made a first secret expedition to Saragossa in 777 and reached an agreement with the Muslim vali of this city, Suleiman Jvn Al Arabi, who promised him the surrender of this city and other cities of Al-Andalus in exchange for his military support in overthrowing the Emirate of Cordoba.
In 778 Charlemagne crossed the Pyrenees at Roncesvalles with all his troops, made up of Astrasians, Burgundians, Bavarians, Provençals, Septimates and Lombards. Once in Pamplona, he received the support of the Basques and Navarrese, who gave him the keys to the city. Charlemagne initially enjoyed the sympathy of the Christians and the alliance of some Muslim chiefs.
THE KEY WORK OF MEDIEVAL EPIC LITERATURE
A masterpiece of French epic narrative, The Cantar of Roland or Chanson de Roland tells the legend of this knight, nephew of Charlemagne, who died in an ambush at the pass of Roncesvalles on 15 August 778. Although the events took place in the 8th century, they were passed down orally until they were transcribed in the 11th century without us knowing the name of the author.
Not only that: the mark of the valiant paladin has been engraved on the very stones that, along the Pilgrim’s Way to Santiago, witnessed the battle, with names such as Poyo Roldán or Piedras de Roldán, which have survived to the present day.
Beyond the codices, Roland’s deeds can also be traced in other media, such as a capital in the town of Estella, which depicts the knight’s fight, spear at the ready, against the giant Ferragut.
Although the Vita Karoli and the Codex Calixtinus are other sources that refer to these events, in reality the most reliable data we have on the legend of Charlemagne’s paladin are, precisely, of an epic nature. In addition to the figures of the emperor, Roland himself and his twelve peers, the characters of the Saracen leader Marsilius and the traitor Ganelon (who intrigues against Roland out of envy), that of Saint Gabriel (who intercedes on behalf of the Franks) and those of the Vascones, who know the territory and who set the ambush at Roncesvalles, are fundamental in this canto de gesta. Roland’s romance ends with Charlemagne’s victory over the Saracens and the trial of Ganelon.
The two great Cantares de Gestas, El Cantar de Roldán and El Cantar de Mío Cid, inspired Cervantes himself in his masterpiece, Don Quixote.
Conclusion
Don’t miss the opportunity to buy the facsimile of the Song of Roland and immerse yourself in the exploits of Roland and Charlemagne. Contact the facsimile specialists at Patrimonio Ediciones for more information and to place your order.
