<i>Rhetoric, hermeneutics and translation in the Middle Ages: academic traditions and vernacular texts</i> (review)
Maxwell J. Walkley
Reviews 193 Contreni's research on the role of Irish scholars in Carolingian world, focussing John Scottus Eriugena and 'colony' at Laon (nos. VI, VIII-X). A n interesting short piece deals with ninth-century evidence for legend that originated Egypt (no. XVII). In this collection, general particular are nicely balanced, despite a certain amount overlap repetition studies. Because original papers were scattered range publications, many which fairly specialized, it is especially useful to have them more widely available thematic form. Toby Bunows The Library University Western Australia Copeland, R., Rhetoric, hermeneutics translation Middle Ages: academic traditions vernacular texts, (Cambridge studies medieval literature), Cambridge, Cambridge Press, 1991; cloth; pp. xiv, 295; R.R.P. AUS$120.00. This extremely well-researched scholarly production continues exceUent series literature published by Press. Medievalists interested history (especially French, English German) will find much food thought Copeland's study, as wiU literary theorists those education rhetoric. It wide-ranging work goes far beyond concern pragmatics Ages fundamental question critical practices, showing finally how discourse criticism defines status both Latin vernaculartextualityin period. very nature commentary developed length. main thesis translation, she referring specifically translations classical cannot be understood without reference traditional systems rhetoric so important defining its practice. H o w was also primary vehicle participation cultural privilege other area contribution knowledge effected author's dense study. Finding one's way around work, treats topics overlapping into domains scholarship, facilitated two-part index: an Index names andtitlesand General index. latter gives reader access parts thetextdealing rhetorical concepts (abbreviatio, inventio, enarratio like), historical (for example, bdingual teaching compendia late antiquity), well-known recurring themes (accessus ad audores, confusio linguarum,fidus interpres, 194 translatio studii). There are, course, detailed entries organized subsections hermeneutics, translation. first three chapters trace changing fortunes grammar from Roman times Ages. U insights due m d e semiotic theory caUed upon explain these vicissitudes. usual quotations Cicero, Horace, QuintiUan, St Jerome Augustine relating conceived patristic conveniently canvassed. However, they emerge generaUy acute analysis here bearing new emphases. Copeland regularly penetrates behind face value usually attributed statements show how, often through misinterpretation, conceptions held theoretical authors early worlds apart. nutshell, grammar, previously debased agency poetarum, had displaced time we reach Ages, same Quintilian Cicero represented highest art, fulfilment even phdosophy. After examing third chapter exegetical appropriated tools textual strategies rhetoric, explores Notker Gall (German) well Ovide moralise" (French) exegesis paraphrase, introducing factor interlingual movment ressembled their counterpart carrying over motive contestation inscribed hermeneutical Perhaps most idea come out fourth identification two forms auctores: 'In...
Parergon