Richard the Lionheart in Life and Legend
Book •
Heather Blurton's book explores the life of Richard I alongside the many legends that have grown up around him, tracing how literary, political, and cultural forces shaped his reputation.
It analyses medieval chronicles, troubadour poetry, romances and later reinventions in novels, film and modern media to show how Richard became an enduring symbol.
The work situates Richard within his historical context while interrogating the processes of myth-making that turned him into a larger-than-life figure.
Blurton also examines how successive eras repurposed Richard for their own needs—from medieval romance to Victorian medievalism to contemporary video games.
The book provides both close readings of texts and a broader cultural history of Richard’s reception.
It analyses medieval chronicles, troubadour poetry, romances and later reinventions in novels, film and modern media to show how Richard became an enduring symbol.
The work situates Richard within his historical context while interrogating the processes of myth-making that turned him into a larger-than-life figure.
Blurton also examines how successive eras repurposed Richard for their own needs—from medieval romance to Victorian medievalism to contemporary video games.
The book provides both close readings of texts and a broader cultural history of Richard’s reception.
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Legends of Richard the Lionheart
