Provides a complete & accurate text of a poem, “Lai de l’Oiselet”, that has long been available only in outdated or partial editions. Brings up-to-date & gathers in one place as much info. as possible about the origins of the story & its many analogues. Contents: (I) Synopsis of the Story; (II) Manuscripts; (III) Editions of the Story; (IV) Sources & Analogues of the Story: The “Barlaam & Josaphat”; The “Disciplina clericalis”; The “Chastoiement,”Trois Savoirs,” & “Donnei des Amants”; Thematic Sources: The “locus amoenus”; Generic & Stylistic Observations; (V) The Present Edition: The Choice of the Base Manuscript; Conclusions: Editorial Principles; Bibliography; Text of the Story; Rejected Readings of Ms “B”; Diplomatic Texts; & Glossary. Illus.