Of the fox Reynard

The thirteenth-century animal epic Van den vos Reynaerde is one of the classic works of our literature. This edition, by the renowned Reynaert expert Dr. F. Lulofs, is primarily intended for students of Dutch, but also makes the text accessible to anyone interested in the literature of the past. The introduction discusses aspects of animal stories in general and of Reynaert literature in particular, and of the place that the animal world occupied in medieval thought. In addition, questions are discussed concerning the author(s), the dating of the surviving texts and Reynaert's ancestors and his descendants are discussed. Finally, Lulofs also pays attention to Reynaert research. The text of Reynaert has been critically edited, which means that errors have been corrected where necessary for a good understanding. Of course, these interventions are justified. The text itself is provided with explanations of words. In the subsequent Commentary, matters that would escape a modern reader are clarified. Lulofs explains the story in this against the background of medieval group society. Generations of Dutch scholars have come to know Reynaert in the Lulofs edition. With this reprint, Lulofs' vision of this intriguing story and his edition remain available to all Reynaert enthusiasts.