Master Walter Map's Book

"Master Walter Map's Book", also known as "De Nugis Curialium" or "Courtiers' Trifles", is a vibrant and satirical collection of anecdotes, historical sketches, and folklore from the late 12th century. Written by Walter Map, a prominent cleric and courtier in the service of King Henry II, the work offers an unparalleled glimpse into the intellectual and social life of the medieval English court. Map navigates through a wide array of subjects, ranging from scathing critiques of religious orders to enchanting tales of the supernatural, including some of the earliest recorded legends of the Wild Hunt and revenants.

The text serves as both a personal commonplace book and a sharp social commentary. Map provides vivid portraits of contemporary figures, humorous observations on the absurdities of courtly existence, and accounts of historical events that shaped the Angevin Empire. His writing is characterized by wit, erudition, and a deep interest in the oral traditions of the Welsh marches and the broader European landscape. "Master Walter Map's Book" remains an essential resource for those interested in medieval literature, social history, and the development of European folklore, preserving the diverse voices and stories that defined a pivotal era in English history.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

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