I was led to this book by my love of Henry Adams' "Mont Saint Michel and Chartres". In it Adams discusses the tale of Aucassin & Nicolette. Whether the charm resides within the tale itself or Adams' retelling of it, I do not know. But I did want to learn more about the period of French literature from which it sprung.

Since Monsieur Zink had a thesis to prove, I found the book a little too academic. I found theory where I wanted poetry pure and simple. I wish that the author had provided more examples of the lyrics that make up the enchantment of the Middle Ages for me.

But Zink did introduce me to some lovely Medieval songs and did, at times, awake a yearning nostalgia in my soul for the lost landscape of an older France that I never knew but would love to visit.