Overview

"Accurate and entertaining translations of three texts that reveal much about medieval political thought and remain relevant to the precariousness of present-day political systems Recent political events around the world, not least January 6, 2021, have shown that political systems long thought to be resilient can be surprisingly at risk. This edition offers an introduction to and prose translations of three texts that demonstrate just how precarious things can be even in a rigidly structured society (here the medieval Holy Roman Empire). The texts, the anonymously authored Duke Ernst, Konrad of Wuerzburg's Henry of Kempten, and Heinrich's Reynard the Fox, are also literary works, designed to entertain. Two of them are adventure stories, but carry a message about the care needed to prevent the escalation of violence; the third is a bleak warning against unscrupulous advisors. As works of literature they are varied. The first moves from recognizable history to develop into an early fantasy novel, as the central character goes boldly to distant places outside the known world and meets, fights with, and learns from strange and alien creatures, before returning to the ""real"" world. The second, a novella, is ostensibly about chivalric bravery, but it is set in a pre-chivalric period, and shows how (then as now) a trivial incident can escalate towards disaster. The third is an animal fable, part of the extensive tradition of Reynard the Fox, initially familiar, but developing into a violent and dark tale that ends with the death of a king."

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9781640141858

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This translation of medieval political texts enables them to transcend eight centuries and speak to us today about mis- and disinformation, lies, and deception. As such these new translations are dynamic, fresh, and surprisingly contemporary. -- Professor Ernst Hintz, Truman State University [This edition] fills the ever-present need for well-written, accessible translations of shorter medieval texts that can be easily incorporated into any number of courses on medieval history, literature, philosophy, or even political science. -- William T. Whobrey, Yale University

Author Information

BRIAN MURDOCH is Emeritus Professor of German at Stirling University, Scotland. He is the author of many books, including titles for both Camden House and D.S. Brewer.

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