| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Medieval Literature in Britain |
| Editors | Siân Echard, Robert Rouse |
| Place of Publication | Oxford |
| Publisher | Wiley-Blackwell |
| Pages | 859-62 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781118396957 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-1-118-39698-8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2017 |
Abstract
The Gesta Romanorum is an extensive compilation of fictional narratives, many of which claim to describe the deeds of Roman emperors or events that took place during their reigns. These narratives are allegorized to provide Christian moral instruction. The Gesta survives in hundreds of medieval manuscripts and numerous printed editions, and was translated out of Latin into many European languages. Its stories were adapted for use in sermons and provide analogues and direct sources for some important medieval and postmedieval literary texts.