Medieval French Romance Author:Douglas Kelly Romance emerged in the 12th century from both oral & written traditions & evolved in verse & prose until by the 16th century the recognizable form of the classic novel appeared. Kelly provides a comprehensive survey of the branches & subgenres of romance. He traces the evolution & adaptation of prose & verse forms, describes the elements that ch... more »aracterized each of these genres, & explains their relationship to & influence on romance. He traces the development of favorite themes in medieval romance, & tales of courtly love & marvelous adventure. He introduces the literary & cultural context in which romances were written, & read.« less