The Song of Roland

Anonymous

May 2022 · Naxos of America, Inc. · Narrated by Bill Homewood

About this audiobook

It is the year 778. The mighty French army, led by Emperor Charlemagne, confronts Saracen forces in the bloody Battle of Roncevaux Pass. In the course of this thrilling epic poem we follow the emperor’s hot-headed nephew Roland into battle. We are privy to the deal struck between the Saracen king Marsilie and Roland’s conniving stepfather Guene. We see both armour and bodies split by the blows of lances and swords, horses fall, and the heroic brotherhood of soldiery tested to its limit. At Charlemagne’s command, even priests go to war. The story builds to a nail-biting climax – when a single trumpeting blast on an elephant’s horn changes the course of history. All this and more is to be found in this magnificent tale of faith, honour, courage – and treachery.

Ratings and reviews

Prof Yvonne Lockwood restored my ability to read by this literature.

About the author

Bill Homewood is known for his innumerable television performances and leading credits in the West End and for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His other recordings for Naxos AudioBooks have won many awards. They include She, The Scarlet Pimpernel, The Count of Monte Cristo, Les Misérables and The Mark of Zorro. Bill has also published six collections of poetry including Painting with Words (Mimosa Books, 2021).