Sunday 27 December 2015

Exploring The First Medieval Author And Writings

By Rebecca Clark


When the first writings of the Middle Ages were penned, the information was most likely transcribed in Latin. The reason being, that Latin was the language of the Roman Catholic Church which dominated central and western Europe during the Middle Ages. As such, since the church remained the only aspect of education at the time, it was also the most common language for a medieval author.

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 one thinks of Celts associated with the Middle Ages, King Arthur usually comes to mind. For, it is King Arthur and the Round Table that made the period as memorable and remarkable as it has been since the beginning. It is works like the Marie de France and Maginogion which also survived that many in the Catholic faith continue to cherish unlike the pagans who tend to pay homage to King Arthur and the court.

Even writers developing and submitting original story lines whether on stage or in written form, often attributed the work to others. In many cases, these writers would suggest a story came out of a play. Whereas, in others, authors would simply embellish or rewrite works which had been published anonymously. It is interesting to note, that in many cases there may have been multiple authors working on a single story.

Theological works, as one might envision often dominated these stories in The Middle Ages. The Bible being one of the most popular books of the period often had a place in every household. Philosophical and theological works were also the most prevalent collections in libraries at the time. Catholics remained the intellectual center of society resulting in this large production of works along with a collection of hymns which also survived the turmoil of the time.

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 text, The Golden Legend of Jacobus de Voragine garnered so much attention that it is reported to have been read more often than the Bible. The Bible, being a book which those involved in the church read on a daily basis. Poets and prophets, philosophers and priests all had writings during this era. In one case, Goliardic poetry was often used by clerics who wish to express dissent and dissatisfaction.

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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