The Arthurian verse-novel "Wigalois," written by the German knight Wirnt von Grafenberg in the early years of the thirteenth century, tells a story which was well known in the medieval period, appearing in eight versions of four languages. This first English translation makes accessible to a new audience the adventure-filled tale of the hero's knightly education and quest for honor, and his ultimate recognition of Sir Gawain as his long-lost father. The translator's introduction compares Wirnt's work with other treatments of the Wigalois material in France, England, and Italy; discusses the German sources and reception of the novel; and offers a careful literary analysis.

J. W. Thomas, professor of German at the University of Kentucky, is the translator or author of a dozen other books in the field of German literature.