The Dialogue of Solomon and Marcolf (TEAMS Middle English Texts Series): A Dual-Language Edition from Latin and Middle English Printed Editions - Softcover

Nancy Mason Bradbury, Scott Bradbury

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1580441807 ISBN 13: 9781580441803

Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications, 2012

Synopsis

The Dialogue of Solomon and Marcolf (Dialogus Salomonis et Marcolfi) was a medieval literary bestseller; mentions of the poem begin as early as 1000 and are widespread by the thirteenth century, and various versions dated between 1410 and 1550 survive in some twenty-seven manuscripts, forty-nine early printed editions, and various translations into vernacular languages. Comprising five verbal contests incorporating distinct rhetorical forms and a variety of eclectic materials such as proverbs, riddles, and biblical wisdom literature, this lively and entertaining dialogue pits the wise Old Testament king Solomon, representing clerical authority, against the foulmouthed but quick-witted peasant Marcolf, representing commoners’ rustic wisdom, improvisational wit, and earthy, subversive humor. This edition juxtaposes two texts of the poem: a Latin version printed ca. 1488 and a Middle English translation printed in 1492, supplemented by extensive glosses, explanatory and textual notes, and exchanges omitted from the proverb contest by previous abridged printed versions.

About this title

About the Authors

Nancy Mason Bradbury is Professor of English at Smith College, and focuses on Chaucer, anonymous medieval romances and tales, and medieval proverbs.

Scott Bradbury is Professor of Classical Languages and Literatures at Smith College, specializing in the history of the Later Roman Empire and in ancient religions.

Edition details

• Publisher: Medieval Institute Publications
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1580441807
• ISBN 13: 9781580441803
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 118