The Medieval Partonopeu of Blois and Orientalism
The Medieval Partonopeu of Blois and Orientalism

Summary/Abstract: The novel Partonopeu of Blois was composed at the end of the 12th century1 and became very quickly one of the most popular works of the time. The text is anonymous, however we can suppose that it was well known during the Middle Ages as the novel was translated into several European languages and there are at least ten manuscripts of it dating from the 12th to the 14th century. This success could be explained by the quality and the great originality of Partonopeu of Blois. The distinct majority of French medieval novels take place in the King Arthur’s world, an enchanted space of woods and castles hosting knights, fairies, or other amazing creatures. Yet this time, the reader is transferred into a very ambiguous space – the heart of the Byzantine empire represented by the oriental city of Chef d’Oire.

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