Uc Saine; Homer Rignault [trans.] — The Legend of Ermengarde

Paris, Edward W. Titus, 1929. First edition. Paperback. A first edition of this poem attributed to a mysterious twelfth or thirteenth century French troubadour. A first edition, one of a limited printing of 250 copies, this is no. 51A poem telling the tale of a young woman who prays to escape from an arranged marriage. In answer, her wish is granted in an unusual way; she is given leprosy.Translator Homer Rignault's preface explains that the only manuscript of this work accredits authorship to Uc Saine, a French troubadour who is assumed to be of the twelfth or thirteenth century based upon his vocabulary and style. He also refers to 'a burlesque on the life of Sainte Enimie composed by Bertram de Marseille', which he describes as published later and possibly derived from Uc Saine. However the authorship of the work remains uncertain, and it is speculated that Rignault may have written it himself. In the publisher's original stiff paper wraps, with original dust wrapper. Wraps are clean. Some shelf wear to head and tail of dust wrapper back strip. Small closed tear to head of back strip. Internally, firmly bound. Pages clean, and uncut to the top edge. Near Fine . Ill.: None. Near Fine/Very Good Indeed.