<i>Glosae super Platonem</i> (review)
John O. Ward
Reviews 135 Bernard of Chartres, Glosae super Platonem, ed. Paul E. Dutton (Studies and Texts, No. 107) Toronto, Pontifical Institute Medieval Studies, 1991; paper, pp. 334; R.R.P. CAN$55.00. As says: 'Of all Plato's dialogues, it is the Timaeus that has, in terms continuity its presence difficulty doctrine, exercised profoundest influence on history western philosophy' (p. 1). Furthermore, as many scholars (Klibansky, Southern, Gibson amongst others) have found, was a text dear to aspirations twelfthcentury scholarly humanists. Of these, name made famous by John Salisbury's Metalogicon, heads list will, itself, attract readers present volume. Nevertheless, 'in doctrine' are 'less original than one might hoped' 5), but stage medieval construction universe they an important link between dearth pre-eleventh-century interest gloss William Conches (edited 1965 Jeauneau, w h o m volume dedicated), which over twice long currently question. The 'synthetic' work 'that relied upon sources opinions available around year 1100' 6). Their chief significance lies their displacement Chalcidius's commentary basis for understanding Timaeus. Dutton's discussion his attribution glosses first proposed 1984 9), convinces e scribe/scholar Tuilecnad M S Oxford Bodl. Lib. Auct F.3.15 knew 'Bernard'. On other hand, ready acceptance controversial set D inventione/Ad Herennium 'William Champeaux' (pp. 15,109 111 [see J. Murphy, ed., Eloquence, 1978, p. 47]), suggests he too eager known with unknown. In fact evidence Chartres circumstantial. similarity poems cited Salisbury 81ff. ) interesting though not invincible argument. Differences Metalogicon noted at 89-90. Indeed, account 'knowledge Chartres's 94) flawed authorship necessary assumption conclusions follow. One cannot quarrel dating Glosae, what meant 'afixeddate publication' 15) remains be seen. Perhaps, case some classicizing elements editing (the printing 'ae' 'e' example—my glance frontispiece plate . question provides no justification this), editor thinking twentieth-century 136 rather terms? examination career 24 ff.) is, expected, clearer more systematic previous scholarship, continuing tradition inaugurated R. W Southern dismantling earlier assumptions, this those Klibansky (see 31). There expert judicious summary 33) useful appendix sources. Pursuing matter I had myself commented (cf. 40, n. 127), situates thoroughly into thefirstand second decades twelfth century has been done previously: 'Bernard belongs time great masters Europe, men who acquired knowledge slowly carefully, whose manner sober upright teachings were weighty demanded respect' 43). should note also emphasis himself may contributed portrait Chartres. itself 45ff.) insightful. What calls 'lemmatic' commentary, following de Hamel, alternatively been...
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