Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliographical Guide [Paperback]

F. A. Mantello (Editor), A. G. Rigg (Editor)

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Language Notes

Text: English, Latin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

Organized with the assistance of an international advisory committee of medievalists from several disciplines, Medieval Latin is a new standard guide to the Latin language and literature of the period from c. A.D. 200 to 1500. It promises to be indispensable as a handbook in university courses in Medieval Latin and as a point of departure for the study of Latin texts and documents in any of the fields of medieval studies. Comprehensive in scope, the guide provides introductions to, and bibliographic orientations in, all the main areas of Medieval Latin language, literature, and scholarship. Part One consists of an introduction and sizable listing of general print and electronic reference and research tools. Part Two focuses on issues of language, with introductions to such topics as Biblical and Christian Latin, and Medieval Latin pronunciation, orthography, morphology and syntax, word formation and lexicography, metrics, prose styles, and so on. There are chapters on the Latin used in administration, law, music, commerce, the liturgy, theology and philosophy, science and technology, and daily life. Part Three offers a systematic overview of Medieval Latin literature, with introductions to a wide range of genres and to translations from and into Latin. Each chapter concludes with a bibliography of fundamental works--texts, lexica, studies, and research aids. This guide satisfies a long-standing need for a reference tool in English that focuses on medieval latinity in all of its specialized aspects. It will be welcomed by students, teachers, professional latinists, medievalists, humanists, and general readers interested in the role of Latin as the learned lingua franca of western Europe. It may also prove valuable to reference librarians assembling collections concerned with Latin authors and texts of the postclassical period.

F. A. C. Mantello is associate professor of Medieval Latin at The Catholic University of America. A. G. Rigg is professor of English and Medieval Studies and chairman of the Medieval Latin Committee at the University of Toronto's Centre for Medieval Studies. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 768 pages
• Publisher: Catholic University of America Press (June 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813208424
• ISBN-13: 978-0813208428
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 6.8 x 1.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #666,544 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm no expert, but ..., October 18, 2009

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Noetica (Australia) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliographical Guide (Paperback)

I received my copy just a few days ago, and I feel confident in allocating five stars simply from my impressions so far. Don't be put off by "Bibliographical Guide" in the title: while it meets that description admirably, it really does serve as a comprehensive survey and introduction to the field. The general linguistic material is most enlightening, and judiciously put together. The very many concise treatments of particular genres and literatures are invaluable. Overall, this appears to be the most useful adjunct to any study of Medieval Latin through the available primers (Harrington, Sidwell, and the rest). It takes things further in just the right ways, I find.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping, December 11, 2009

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B. Smith (Hong Kong) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliographical Guide (Paperback)

I read this book when I was on holiday and couldn't put it down. The scope of the book is huge taking you not only through medieval language use and literature but also deep into medieval life. Copious examples of medieval letters and writings bring the "dark ages" back to life in a vivid and fascinating way. The book is ideal for anyone who is interested in Medieval Latin or society and everyday life back then.
If you want to read firsthand medieval Latin texts I recommend Liber Kalilae et Dimnae: & Liber Septem Sapientium (Latin Edition), De Expugnatione Terrae Sanctae per Saladinum (Latin Edition), Gesta Romanorum (Latin Edition) and Historia Regni Henrici Septimi Regis Angliae (Latin Edition).

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY USEFUL STUDY GUIDE, July 27, 2009

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R. GONZALEZ (HARRISONBURG, VA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Medieval Latin: An Introduction and Bibliographical Guide (Paperback)

Useful information of sources and published materials on Medieval Latin. It's the best study guide of that subject, I've used.