Medieval Translators and Their Craft

This collection explores the methods and reception of medieval translators, highlighting their vital role in bridging languages and genres. It offers diverse scholarly perspectives on the craft of translation during this period.

Medieval Translators and Their Craft explores the essential role of translation during the Middle Ages, a period when the transfer of knowledge was crucial to cultural and intellectual development. The book delves into the various methods employed by translators working with texts in different languages and genres, highlighting the importance of bilingualism and trilingualism in scriptoriums and chanceries. This linguistic dexterity was necessary for the preservation and dissemination of classical literature, which had become largely inaccessible to the general population.

The collection features a diverse array of scholarly contributions that examine the reception of translations from vernacular languages into Latin, as well as translations between vernacular languages. Each chapter presents unique perspectives on the craft of medieval translators, offering insights into their techniques and the cultural contexts in which they operated. This variety underscores the complexity and richness of medieval translation practices, revealing how translators navigated linguistic and cultural barriers to make texts accessible to wider audiences.

By addressing the critical issue of medieval translation, the book not only illuminates the translators' roles but also emphasizes the broader implications of their work for the transmission of knowledge in the medieval world. The collection serves as a valuable resource for scholars interested in the intersections of language, culture, and history, and it invites readers to appreciate the artistry and significance of the translators who shaped the literary landscape of their time.