The Song of Roland

On 15 August 778, Charlemagne's army was returning from a successful expedition against Saracen Spain when its rearguard was ambushed in a Pyrenean pass. Written by an unknown poet, this book tells of Charlemagne's warrior nephew, Lord of Breton Marches, who valiantly leads his men into battle against the Saracens, but dies defiant to the end.