Gesta Romanorum

jes-ta ro-ma-no'-rum, literally "Exploits of the Romans," the title of a collection of stories and anecdotes in Latin compiled probably in the thirteenth century. It is the oldest legendary work of the Middle Ages. Stories of western and oriental as well as of classical origin are included. Until the sixteenth century the Gesta Romanorum was one of the most widely read books among the learned. It was printed in many editions and translated into French, English, German, and Dutch. For a long time it was believed that the author was Pierre Bercheur, or Petrus Berchorius (as his name appears in the Latin form), of Poitou, but later critics believe that Bercheur simply added certain moralizing remarks and observations. The compilation has also been ascribed to Elinandus or Helinandus, but there is little more than conjecture on which to base such a claim. The stories are devoid of dialogue or dramatic interest. The style is poor. An evident moral purpose serves as a unifying element and suggests the idea that the work was originally designed for the use of the clergy. The various manuscript copies show considerable difference, owing probably to the fact that any transcriber could easily add a story or omit one to suit his own needs and desires. The chief interest of the Gesta Romanorum in recent times is the use that has been made of the stories as literary material by Shakespeare and other great writers.