Guillaume de Dole

The early 13th-century writer Jean Renart authored two romances, Le Roman de la Rose (ou) Guillaume de Dole and L'Escoufle (The Kite), along with Le Lai de l'Ombre (The Reflection). His Romance of the Rose recounts the trials and tribulations of Liénor, the beautiful and virtuous sister of the knight Guillaume de Dole. Accused of unchastity, she relies on her sharp legal mind to exonerate herself.  A work of great charm and elegance, Guillaume de Dole offers a vivid portrait of contemporary aristocratic society. A noteworthy feature of the romance, which Jean claims as his own innovation, is the inclusion of multiple songs representing a wide variety of musical genres. The work may justifiably be called the first French musical.