John of Garland's 'Integumenta Ovidii': Text, Translation, and Commentary

The Integumenta Ovidii is a collection of allegories on Greek and Roman myths written by John of Garland in the 13th century. This edition, edited and translated for the first time in 90 years, presents the original Latin text with facing-page modern English translation and comprehensive explanatory notes to help readers understand the poem in its medieval context.

Format: Hardback
Length: 220 pages
Publication date: 31 October 2022
Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications

The renowned scholar-poet John of Garland penned the Integumenta Ovidii, also known as "Allegories on Ovid," during the early thirteenth century in the vibrant city of Paris. This literary masterpiece emerged at a time when there was a renewed fascination with Classical Latin literature, marking a significant era in the cultural landscape. Within this concise poem, John presents a captivating series of intricate and highly allusive allegories, drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of Greek and Roman myths found in Ovid's renowned work, Metamorphoses. For the first time in nearly a century, the text has been meticulously edited and translated, drawing upon the evidence of over two dozen manuscripts. This edition not only presents the original Latin text with a facing-page modern English translation, but also includes comprehensive explanatory notes to aid readers in comprehending John's intricate allegories within their medieval context. Additionally, textual notes delve into the complexities of the poem's transmitted text, offering valuable improvements upon the earlier editions. By undertaking this meticulous preservation and translation effort, we are privileged to witness the timeless brilliance of John of Garland's Integumenta Ovidii, a testament to the enduring power of classical literature and the enduring legacy of John as a scholar and poet.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 162 x 240 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781580445276