30.12.15

Understanding The Writing Of A Medieval Author

By Rebecca Clark


Understanding writings from the Middle Ages is not always easy though usually enjoyable. One reason being, that the Catholic church controlled most of western and central Europe at the time. As the Catholic church provided most of the education at the time, each medieval author would generally transcribe writings in Latin, except for the few whom held an existing knowledge of the English language.

In time, some commoners continued to use the Latin language while others moved towards using elements of the Greek and Roman language. While this is the case, it is the Latin texts which have become most well known over the years. While a number of these texts survived the time, others were destroyed over the years.

When it comes to the Celts, the most common text of the Middle Ages surrounds King Arthur and the court. There are two other texts which were often attributed great value in the era. These are Mabinogion and Marie de France. While these and many other texts remain anonymous, classical writers were known for embellishing stories. Yet, these writers were often thought to have penned these and other great tales.

Even when writers would submit original story lines, themes would often be attributed as having been quoted by an actor or actors. After which, the name of the authors took on less importance with many stories never attributed to a specific person. In time, authors became more respected, noted and honored for future works.

As might be expected, the majority of work created during this period was based in philosophical and theological thought. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society which resulted in a large collection of theological works being housed in different libraries. After which, a number of philosophical titles and others began to find a way on to shelves in local, regional and national libraries.

Texts, especially those attributed to secular and sacred authors became quite popular with the masses. After which, a number of treaties were developed to try and reconcile the Catholic church with pagan authors, an attempt that ultimately failed. Still, one in which the pagans and others began to learn about the beliefs of Catholics and others in the Christian faith.

One of the most read text of the Middle Ages is that of The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine. A book which has been reported to be read more than the Bible at the time. As the Bible was often read on a daily basis, saying the book was read more than the Bible may or may not be accurate, saying that the Bible was read more often than the book, could very well be fact.

There were also two notable Jewish authors working during the Middle Ages, these were Maimonides, born in Spain and Rashi, born in France. Each was quite well known for a number of different writings related to a variety of religious texts. Although, it was not long after that secular books like that of Beowolf and others began to show up at the marketplace and at different libraries in Europe, and eventually, the world.




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