Author: Francesco Petrarca
Publisher: Early English Text Society Ori
Published: 2018
Total Pages: 0
ISBN-13: 9780198828334
DOWNLOAD EBOOKThis previously unpublished verse translation of Book 1 of Petrarch's Secretum, or 'secret book', is a landmark in the history of English humanism. It is only the third work by Petrarch to be translated into English, and is the most accurate and extensive translation of his work before the 1530's. -- The Secretum is a dialogue between Franciscus and Augustinus (fictionalized versions of Petrarch himself and St. Augustine). It is presided over by Veritas, or Truth personified. The dialogue is a confessional account of Petrarch's personality and its weaknesses, prompted by reflection on old age and death. The work owes much to Augustine's Confessions and also draws upon Cicero and other classical writers. -- The anonymous translator, who may have been associated with Winchester Cathedral Priory, shows his familiarity with Chaucerian verse traditions, and he renders his source with poietic invention and skill. -- This new edition contains an introduction, with full discussion of the translation's manuscript context, and its place in English humanist traditions. The detailed explanatory notes describe the translator's treatment of his source and the inventiveness of his vocabulary.
Book Synopsis A Middle English Translation from Petrarch's Secretum by : Francesco Petrarca
Download or read book A Middle English Translation from Petrarch's Secretum written by Francesco Petrarca and published by Early English Text Society Ori. This book was released on 2018 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This previously unpublished verse translation of Book 1 of Petrarch's Secretum, or 'secret book', is a landmark in the history of English humanism. It is only the third work by Petrarch to be translated into English, and is the most accurate and extensive translation of his work before the 1530's. -- The Secretum is a dialogue between Franciscus and Augustinus (fictionalized versions of Petrarch himself and St. Augustine). It is presided over by Veritas, or Truth personified. The dialogue is a confessional account of Petrarch's personality and its weaknesses, prompted by reflection on old age and death. The work owes much to Augustine's Confessions and also draws upon Cicero and other classical writers. -- The anonymous translator, who may have been associated with Winchester Cathedral Priory, shows his familiarity with Chaucerian verse traditions, and he renders his source with poietic invention and skill. -- This new edition contains an introduction, with full discussion of the translation's manuscript context, and its place in English humanist traditions. The detailed explanatory notes describe the translator's treatment of his source and the inventiveness of his vocabulary.