Cultural Translations in Medieval Romance

The essays in this volume explore the translation of romance across late medieval Britain, Ireland, and Iceland, proposing a re-centering and extension of our understanding of the corpus of medieval Insular romance. They address topics such as women and merchants, werewolves and marvels, and how romance moved across cultural and social boundaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 14 January 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The essays in this collection delve into the captivating realm of translation, exploring its intricate relationship with the composition, reception, and dissemination of romance across the languages of late medieval Britain, Ireland, and Iceland. By adopting a multilingual approach, this volume seeks to reimagine and extend our understanding of the corpus of medieval Insular romance, which, although long considered extra-canonical, has gradually established its own canon. This canon, which we can now begin to question and unsettle, encompasses a rich tapestry of literary works that have gained recognition and significance over the past decades.

The essays presented here cover a wide range of topics, spanning from the works of Dafydd ap Gwilym and Walter Map to the tales of Melusine and English Trojan narratives. They address a diverse array of subjects, including women, merchants, werewolves, and marvels, thus positioning the study of romance in translation within the context of cross-border and cross-linguistic transmission and reception. Moreover, the volume showcases how romance, even in the absence of linguistic translation, traversed cultural and social boundaries, incorporating elements from various genres into its expansive and adaptable framework. This exploration encompasses the realms of learning, power, and both, highlighting the ways in which romance evolved and adapted to new linguistic, cultural, and social networks.

In conclusion, this collection of essays offers a profound exploration of translation and its profound impact on the world of romance. By delving into the complexities of linguistic and cultural exchange, it sheds light on the ways in which romance has been shaped, transformed, and disseminated across different regions and languages. Through its multidisciplinary approach, the volume provides valuable insights into the rich tapestry of medieval literature and its enduring legacy.

Weight: 556g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781843846208