downthelane Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Hi there, My 14 yo will be studying the Middle Ages through Renaissance for his Freshman year. He is not a strong reader - middle school level- and doesn't like to read for long period of time. I will probably read most of the primary sources to him and have him narrate what is happening to help him understand the material. As a result, we need a short list of key and engaging primary sources to cover long period in history. What would you recommend? I was thinking we would have one session a week on primary sources for a total of 30 sessions. I realize that some sources we may be able to cover in one session, while other sources will require weeks. Could you help me identify material and provide a ball park figure of how long we should allow? And thank you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candid Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Beowulf! If you could find a wonderfully done audio this would be great. Song of Roland. Dante's Divine Comedy. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Then onto Renaissance with Shakespeare and other poets Spenser and Sydney and playwrights Marlowe. For the plays you could watch them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in Mint Hill Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 I would add Chrétien de Troyes, Arthurian Romances, tr. William W. Kibler and Carleton W. Carroll (Penguin Classics). This is one of the most readable and entertaining of the medieval works. The only drawback to it is that there are so many adventures and episodes in each story that it sometimes gets a little confusing. It really helps to know what the overall plot is for each of them; so the teacher should read over some notes on each story, which you can find at Wikipedia. And here is a great free resource! The story of Lancelot (which btw is the original tale) narrated: http://nikolledoolin.com/alo/?page_id=261 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downthelane Posted June 24, 2013 Author Share Posted June 24, 2013 Beowulf! If you could find a wonderfully done audio this would be great. Song of Roland. Dante's Divine Comedy. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Then onto Renaissance with Shakespeare and other poets Spenser and Sydney and playwrights Marlowe. For the plays you could watch them. Audio! Oh my word. I completely "forgot" about using audio. It's so good to post here and to have people help dig you out of a hole you've created ; ) And I love your list. He loves Shakespeare and we've got a great plan in place to work on that all year. I look forward to adding in all your suggestions. Yippee! I would add Chrétien de Troyes, Arthurian Romances, tr. William W. Kibler and Carleton W. Carroll (Penguin Classics). This is one of the most readable and entertaining of the medieval works. The only drawback to it is that there are so many adventures and episodes in each story that it sometimes gets a little confusing. It really helps to know what the overall plot is for each of them; so the teacher should read over some notes on each story, which you can find at Wikipedia. And here is a great free resource! The story of Lancelot (which btw is the original tale) narrated: http://nikolledoolin...lo/?page_id=261 I am so excited. These are fabulous ideas. I'm not familiar with the first suggestion, but I like the sound of it.( ETA: Would you recommend doing the complete work or just portions?) And yes, Lancelot, another great idea...on audio! You both rock! "Oh happy day!" Thank you for taking the time to share these thoughts. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Beowulf! If you could find a wonderfully done audio this would be great. Song of Roland. Dante's Divine Comedy. Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, Then onto Renaissance with Shakespeare and other poets Spenser and Sydney and playwrights Marlowe. For the plays you could watch them. Seamus Heaney's translation of Beowulf is beautiful and it is even more delightful to listen to him read his translation on a rainy evening with a fire in the fireplace and by candlelight. Audio for several of the early works from this time period is more than appropriate since several originated in oral tradition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Burton Raffel's translation of Canterbury Tales is the most accessible, IMHO. You may even be able to find the audio CDs in your library system. For purely historical readings, Christopher Columbus's diary is okay, as is Marco Polo's travel book. (Various publication names for these.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Candid Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 I will mention the Arkangel recordings of Shakespeare. They are not visual, but the voices are actors for each character, and they do the whole text. I found I could read the text and listen if I wanted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renaissance Mom Posted June 24, 2013 Share Posted June 24, 2013 Any recommendations for an audio version of Dante? Or Song of Roland? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downthelane Posted June 24, 2013 Author Share Posted June 24, 2013 Why did I not think to ask this question when my older son was in 9th grade? You all have succeeded in ramping up my enthusiasm about the original sources from this time period exponentially. I thought I would put up some links for all of us. I'll go back and add dates later as time allows. If those of you who've suggested these find that I've posted the wrong source - just share an alternate link! IF there's something that you feel is a MUST for this list - speak up : ) Arkangel Shakespeare Recordings - You can purchase here individually. Amazon has a complete set available for $$$. Beowulf - Heaney's audio version - Amazon link Arthurian Romances - Penquin Edition or Audio version (have not found one, yet) Burton Raffel's Canterbury tales Audio Lancelot - Knight of the Cart - Audio Song of Roland - Blackstone Audio Dante's Divine Comedy - Blackstone Audio Spenser Fierce Wars and Faithful Loves book Sydney - Which work do you recommend? Marlowe - Which work do you recommend? Historical Readings: The Travels of Marco Polo (book) The Four Voyages, etc., Christopher Columbus (book) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in Mint Hill Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 ...I am so excited. These are fabulous ideas. I'm not familiar with the first suggestion, but I like the sound of it.( ETA: Would you recommend doing the complete work or just portions?) And yes, Lancelot, another great idea...on audio! ...Thank you for taking the time to share these thoughts. You are welcome! Chretien is fascinating, and I cannot understand why he isn't studied more. My students just love the wild and crazy stories. There have been many men who have written tales of King Arthur and his court; for instance Sir Thomas Malory, Geoffrey of Monmouth, and *so* many others. But the one that is considered the "Father of the Arthurian romance" was Chretien de Troyes. Not a lot is known about him, but we do know that he was a French poet writing in the late twelfth century. We also know that he was from (as his name indicates) the city of Troyes, just south of Paris. Chretien was a poet in the court of Marie of Champagne, who was Eleanor of Acquitaine's daughter from her first (annulled) marriage to the king of France. He also writing in the same area that the Knights Templar were founded a few decades earlier. His story of the Grail (first known story of this mysterious object!) ended in mid-sentence and no one knows what happened. If you have the time, I'd do them all. They are fascinating, but at the very least do read "Erec & Enide" and "Knight of the Cart (Lancelot)." The first extolls marriage and the second seems to be a spoof on "courtly love." All of the many themes found in his stories can be summarized in one word: chivalry. There is a wonderful quote at the beginning of "Erec & Enide" about not neglecting to seek knowledge and apply it. (when I get a chance I'll type it up) I just love Chretien!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downthelane Posted June 25, 2013 Author Share Posted June 25, 2013 His story of the Grail (first known story of this mysterious object!) ended in mid-sentence and no one knows what happened. Sounds like he and I have a lot in common ; ) There is a wonderful quote at the beginning of "Erec & Enide" about not neglecting to seek knowledge and apply it. (when I get a chance I'll type it up) I just love Chretien!! I look forward to reading it when you have time to share. Thank you again! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Are you only looking for Western resources? You might also consider selections from: The Qur'an 1001 Nights The Shahnameh (my boys in particular liked this comic book version, just for something different :) ) Ibn Battuta's Travels hth! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tvaleri Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 Are you looking for lit only? We used SWB's History of the Middle Ages & Truthquest guides for spines this past year. I also looked at Ambleside Online's offeriings as well as Tapestry of Grace. Terry Jones (of Monty Python) has some great history videos on Netflix. Horrible Histories on YouTube are enjoyable as well. Lots of documentaries on YouTube also. HTH! Teresa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in Mint Hill Posted June 25, 2013 Share Posted June 25, 2013 The quote from the first page of Chretien's Arthurian Romances: "...Chretien de Troyes maintains that one ought always to study and strive to speak well and teach the right; and he derives from a story of adventure a pleasing argument whereby it may be proved and known that he is not wise who does not make liberal use of his knowledge so long as God may give him grace." From Chretien's introductory paragraph for "Erec & Enide" (c.1170 AD) I also have another primary source (a fascinating little book written in the 800s!): The Life of Charlemagne by Einhard. Just in case you'd like to use some non-fiction, the following was copied from my earlier post answering a similar question... I've listed below some wonderful books that give an overview of the medieval period, and some that delve into certain episodes or periods during the MA. I love this era! History books that bring to life certain important episodes and periods: The Forge of Christendom by Tom Holland 1066 by David Howarth 1215: the year of magna carta by Danny Danziger The Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward The most informative and in-depth study of the Middle Ages: (n.b.these mostly just cover Western Civ.) The Civilization of the Middle Ages by Norman Cantor The Middle Ages by Morris Bishop (easy to read and very interesting) - I have the students read this one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Here is a link for Heaney's reading of on Youtube. I don't think this was up when I bought my recording. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 The quote from the first page of Chretien's Arthurian Romances: "...Chretien de Troyes maintains that one ought always to study and strive to speak well and teach the right; and he derives from a story of adventure a pleasing argument whereby it may be proved and known that he is not wise who does not make liberal use of his knowledge so long as God may give him grace." From Chretien's introductory paragraph for "Erec & Enide" (c.1170 AD) I also have another primary source (a fascinating little book written in the 800s!): The Life of Charlemagne by Einhard. Just in case you'd like to use some non-fiction, the following was copied from my earlier post answering a similar question... I've listed below some wonderful books that give an overview of the medieval period, and some that delve into certain episodes or periods during the MA. I love this era! History books that bring to life certain important episodes and periods: The Forge of Christendom by Tom Holland 1066 by David Howarth 1215: the year of magna carta by Danny Danziger The Hundred Years War by Desmond Seward The most informative and in-depth study of the Middle Ages: (n.b.these mostly just cover Western Civ.) The Civilization of the Middle Ages by Norman Cantor The Middle Ages by Morris Bishop (easy to read and very interesting) - I have the students read this one. Beth, thank you so much for sharing all of these resources and for mentioning Chretien de Troyes' book. Do you have a favorite translation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swimmermom3 Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Are you only looking for Western resources? You might also consider selections from: The Qur'an 1001 Nights The Shahnameh (my boys in particular liked this comic book version, just for something different :) ) Ibn Battuta's Travels hth! Kate, I am interested in going beyond Western resources. My kids bought me a beautiful edition of 1001 Nights for my birthday and my youngest and I are reading it over the summer. We are enjoying the stories, but aren't sure what we think of Sir Richard Burton's translation. It feels very English and lacks the subtlety that I would expect, but then perhaps my cultural expectations are incorrect? Do you have a favorite translation? I have the Oxford World Classics most recent edition of the The Qur'an on hand and and Ibn Battuta's Travels in my Amazon cart. Do you know if the books I linked are good ones? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dands Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Here is a set for the arkangel Shakespear audio cheaper than amazon. These audios sound great! http://www.audioeditions.com/complete-arkangel-shakespeare.aspx?gclid=CJaZx6P8gLgCFUbhQgodWSgA4w Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kate in Arabia Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Kate, I am interested in going beyond Western resources. My kids bought me a beautiful edition of 1001 Nights for my birthday and my youngest and I are reading it over the summer. We are enjoying the stories, but aren't sure what we think of Sir Richard Burton's translation. It feels very English and lacks the subtlety that I would expect, but then perhaps my cultural expectations are incorrect? Do you have a favorite translation? I have the Arabic manuscript of 1001 Nights that was edited by Muhsin Mahdi, and the translation -- based on this manuscript -- by Husain Haddawi. For any Arabic students out there, I used these this year with ds and it was a really good experience -- he was reading the Arabic and I had the English and could help him whenever he got stuck. I have the Oxford World Classics most recent edition of the The Qur'an on hand and and Ibn Battuta's Travels in my Amazon cart. Do you know if the books I linked are good ones? I'm not familiar with that translation of the Qur'an. Would you (or have you) be using a specific lesson plan for this? I was wondering about that, because even as Muslims if we're wanting to do a study we generally wouldn't just pick up the Qur'an and start reading from the beginning and go to the end, kwim? Pretty much every study group I've ever been in has had a kind of syllabus. I haven't looked into it much, to see whether there are lesson plans out there for non-Muslims to learn about the Qur'an, I've considered whether there would be interest if I put together lesson plans for that... The link you have for the Shahnameh takes me to Beowulf ;), I have a translation by Dick Davis. I have several translations of Ibn Battuta's Travels (it was the topic of my Master's thesis), but not this particular one. However, I have Tim Mackintosh-Smith's other book -- Travels with a Tangerine -- in which he retraces parts of Ibn Battuta's journey, and I really liked it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
downthelane Posted June 26, 2013 Author Share Posted June 26, 2013 Are you only looking for Western resources? You might also consider selections from: The Qur'an 1001 Nights The Shahnameh (my boys in particular liked this comic book version, just for something different :) ) Ibn Battuta's Travels hth! I am so glad you popped in with these suggestions. It helped me remember I have a non-Western resource on my shelf for this time period that I've been wanting to use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth in Mint Hill Posted June 26, 2013 Share Posted June 26, 2013 Beth, thank you so much for sharing all of these resources and for mentioning Chretien de Troyes' book. Do you have a favorite translation? The free Comfort translation is fine, except that the language is very old-fashioned. So if you need a little bit more readable modern translation the Penguin Classic version with Kibler as one of the translators is wonderful. It also has lots of extras in it. (This is what I love about Penguin classics!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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