This first full-length study of Erasmus' translations of
classical literature examines his approach to translation and, more
generally, his role as a transmitter of the classics. It traces in
chronological order the progress of his Greek studies and the
publication history of his translations from Greek into Latin;
these included selections from the works of Libanius, Euripides,
Plutarch, Lucian, Galen, Isocrates and Xenophon. It also
illustrates Erasmus' methods with appropriate examples from his own
texts and from those of his predecessors and contemporaries. In so
doing it provides an overview of the state of Greek literature in
the Renaissance.
Erasmus shifted from literal translation to a more liberal
approach - a change in attitude that was accompanied by a
redefinition of his role as translator. In his early work he had
pursued private goals, regarding his versions from secular authors
as private pieces for his magnum opus, the New Testament. In later
years his approach became more reader-oriented. He saw his work in
terms of a service to scholarship - making Greek literature
accessible to Latin readers and acting as their guide to classical
thought. He was concerned not only with the mechanics of conveying
the factual contents and literary qualities of the original, but
also with the applicability of its moral content to Christian
philosophy.
This book includes a chapter on Erasmus' New Testament version;
by allowing a fuller evaluation of Erasmus' contribution to
philology, this subject adds an important dimension to the book.
Erasmus' translations of Greek texts reflect two concerns that
dominated his life. As an educator he wanted to see classical
philology firmly established in the curriculum of schools; as a
Christian humanist he wanted to convince biblical scholars that it
was an indispensable tool of their profession.
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