Troilus and Criseyde

Set during the fierce Trojan War, Troilus and Criseyde is the poignant tale of love won and lost. The beautiful Criseyde becomes the object of desire for Troilus, the son of King Priam, and he is able to win her affection through the machinations of his uncle, Pandarus. They experience a brief time of bliss together, but despite their vows of faithfulness, they are soon separated by the fortunes of war. Nevill Coghill's matchless translation skilfully transmits the genius and vigor of Chaucer's 14th-century romantic poem, widely regarded as his finest achievement. Listen as probably the greatest love poem of the Middle Ages comes alive, combining elements of comedy and tragedy to form an exquisite tale of romantic love and human frailty.