<i>The Rule of Saint Benedict</i> ed. by Bruce L. Venarde (review)
Marilyn Dunn
Reviewed by: The Rule of Saint Benedict ed. by Bruce L. Venarde Marilyn Dunn Benedict. Edited and translated Venarde. [Dumbarton Oaks Medieval Library, No. 6.] (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. 2011. Pp. xxii, 278. $29.95. ISBN 978-0-674-05304-5.) Under the auspices Dumbarton has given us a parallel-text Latin English version St. general aim library is to produce facing-page translations create, in words publisher, “accessible modern based on latest research leading figures field.” How does this volume match up these stated objectives? most problematic element here “latest research” element, as twenty or so pages introduction plus “Notes Texts” are not really enough bring fully date. Venarde’s summary transmission text Benedictine early Middle Ages correctly highlights its popularity areas northern Europe seventh eighth centuries. translation edition, however, Gallen MS 914, which no longer enjoys iconic status it once held history textual transmission. Although follows Eugène Manning’s view that close what wrote, would have been better explain all little more detail. sections virtues [End Page 116] itself do seem take into account views strengths reasons for survival he mentions. inclusion two Carolingian texts relevant understanding Empire became gold standard monastic observance looks like nice touch, but footnotes reveal, there debate over authenticity one them—the Letter Charlemagne attributed Paul Deacon. What actual translation? This reviewer compared with RB 1980, edited Timothy Fry (Collegeville, MN, 1981). Traditionalists will way opens “Listen carefully, my son, teachings master incline ear your heart” (p. 3). But they might also cherish 1980’s concluding chapter offers “this rule we written beginners” 95) opposed sketched beginning” xviii) “hanc minimam inchoationis regulam descriptam”—even if latter may be closer Latin. Whatever one’s taste, an eminently readable rendering. Glasgow Copyright © 2012 Catholic America Press
Catholic Historical Review