THE LEGEND OF THE CID

by Robert C. Goldston ‧ RELEASE DATE: Sept. 9, 1963

The spirit of the original stories of Rodrigo Diaz de Vivar, the life that produced ballads, poetry and plays long after his death and Spain's decline, has been retained in this simplified version -- an amalgamation of the many legends. From the factual record it is known that El Mio Cid lived about 60 years during the last half of the 11th Century and spent most of them fighting. The stories here found with the ring of steel on steel as the knight, Champion of Castile, proves himself and his loyalty again and again in single combat or at the head of armies. His reward was often banishment from the Spain he dreamed of uniting. His death at the siege of Valencia is particularly well told as is the story of his last battle, which he was said to have won after his death -- his dead body placed on his fabled horse Babieca, his famous sword Tizone strapped on his arm, he charged and scattered the Moslem horde. This is the stuff of courtly, knightly dreams. Unlike so many simplifications, it will not dull the appetite for the original.

Pub Date: Sept. 9, 1963

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Bobbs-Merrill

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1963

Categories: FICTION