The Seven Sages of Rome is a collection of stories of wicked women and wise counsellors that was enormously popular in the middle ages, with versions in almost every European language. In
Middle English, it is the first known framed story collection, and it was read and used by both Chaucer and Gower. The Midland Version, edited here, presents an independent redactor’s reworking
of the Old French source with many original features not found in other English translations. The Midland Version was edited by Thomas Wright in 1845. This new edition presents a corrected text
with full introduction and commentary. Jill Whitelock is the Head of Rare Books, Cambridge University Library.
