L'invention de Nithard by Bernard Cerquiglini
Peter A. Machonis
Reviewed by: L'invention de Nithard by Bernard Cerquiglini Peter A. Machonis Cerquiglini, Bernard. Nithard. Minuit, 2018. ISBN 978-2-7073-4469-4. Pp. 128. The back cover bills this essay as a Carolingian road movie. It begins in 2011 with the re-discovery of Nithard's remains, misplaced for twelve years attic Saint-Riquier Abbey. Charlemagne's grandson and Charles Bald's cousin, lay intellectual is recognized recording first written evidence French, distinct from Latin. 842 Strasbourg Oaths are quoted verbatim Proto-French Proto-Germanic middle his Medieval Latin work, making him "le pionnier du français" (10), according to Cerquiglini. His scholarly journey continues judicious re-reading text French translation, using 2012 revised edition Sophie Glansdorff, which contrasted other writings ninth century, Annales Saint-Bertin, Fulda, Dhuoda's Manuel pour mon fils. discusses how others interpreted Oaths, when they were discovered sixteenth up contemporary insights historian Janet Nelson. We learn that spent twenty months young Charles, taking part battles, witnessing swearing breaking oaths, while—according one historian—writing "one bleakest prose works era" (90). come see not simply someone documenting Charles's life, but warrior on horseback, trusted advisor helping shape oaths treaties time, above all, gifted writer [End Page 222] includes detailed analyses phrasing, even comparing Caesar. also argues more an attempt settle family disagreement than actual nation-building. This indeed trip, where reader discovers progressively about life circumstances surrounding Oaths. criticizes own La naissance français. father, Angilbert, little-known brother, Hartnid, who inspired Pascal Quignard's novel Les larmes, tries decipher why featured so prominently work. would be difficult reading undergraduates could serve ancillary graduate course History Language or Old French. style both familiar dry, without humor. When discussing phrase "ainsi comme doit un frère" choice non-Latin word on, writes: "Observons que le premier véritable mot français jamais écrit fut marqueur d'universalité: les adeptes Rivarol pourront s'en réjouir" (84). Some may quibble elevate status "inventeur la langue française" (back cover) "premier écrivain (119), after Nithard, will never think insignificant figure history language. Overall, intricate presents latest interpretation motivations behind original. enlightening read historical linguists. Florida International University Copyright © 2020 American Association Teachers
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