The figure of the ruler in the medieval Occident, as seen through the lens of exemplarity and transculturality, is the focus of this volume including Hispanic and Germanic studies. With its characteristic form, structure, and thematic motives, themselves bolstered by animal fables of eastern origin, and sometimes focussing on historical protagonists from other cultures, the exemplary literature is particularly suitable for exploring ideals of rulership. The specific brevity as well as its hermeneutic range enable a concise and multi-faceted portrayal of the figure of the ruler. This presentation, occasionally guided by a contextual framing narrative, takes heed of the figure of the ruler's personal and transpersonal dimensions in the interplay between idealisation and criticism. -- (from amazon.com)