Every three years scholars from all over the world converge to discuss medieval courtly literature in its various manifestations: the International Courtly Literature Society reconvenes.

The meeting in Vancouver in 1998 was truly international in nature. Against the backdrop of the stunning mountain scenery, the warm spirit of collegiality was outdone only by the unexpected summer heat. Almost two hundred speakers presented papers, and the participants included members from four continents and more than a dozen countries. Six different language groups are represented in the plenary talks, and the volume contains papers in four different languages.

Since no single volume could contain all the stimulating presentations from six days’ worth of scholarly exchange, this is of necessity a selection of the papers read and submitted for consideration. The book is organized in two major sections, the first containing the five plenary addresses and the second, twenty-nine papers. The plenaries suggest the range of approaches and disciplines involved in the study of courtly literature. We have arranged the shorter papers into groupings by methodology or subject matter. The categories ref lect both current preoccupations and perennial concerns, the best of both traditional and innovative methodologies.

The conference was greatly enhanced by the presence of world-class musicians, including the late John Fleagle, Anne Azéma, the group Chanterie, and others. Early Music Vancouver advised us and co-sponsored performances.

While none of the superlative musical performances could find their way into a printed book, we were entertained during the banquet by a spiritual descendant of Marie de France who presented a hitherto-unknown lai, the text of which is reproduced here as an “après-propos.”

We are grateful to many organizations and individuals without whom the conference would never have taken place. Funding was provided principally by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. We thank in particular: Chantal Phan, the principal organizer, who ran a great meeting; Donald Maddox, who gave us the benefit of his experience in the planning stages; Richard Unger, who provided invaluable help on site; students Shannon McKie and Ineke Hardy, who helped with organization in the year preceding, including setting up the web site; other colleagues at the University of British Columbia, especially Nancy Frelick and Karl Zaenker, who gave advice and much practical assistance; the eleven volunteers who were stalwart during the conference; and Simon Fraser University, which graciously provided funding and arranged for us to use their facilities for a day.