Publications
Publication details [#10495]
Rummel, Erika. 2006. Fertile ground: Erasmus’ travels in England. In Biase, Carmine G. di, ed. Travel and translation in the early modern period (Approaches to Translation Studies 26). Amsterdam: Rodopi. pp. 45–52.
Publication type
Article in jnl/bk
Publication language
English
Keywords
Person as a subject
Abstract
Erasmus visited England six times, including an extended stay between 1511 and 1514. Each of his visits resulted in translations, either directly or indirectly. His collaboration with Thomas More on translations of Lucian’s dialogues was the direct result of a meeting of kindred spirits. Both men studied Greek and were attracted by Lucian’s wit. The collaborative venture served as a tangible link and testimony of their friendship. By contrast, the translation of Euripides’ Iphigenia was born of irritation. When Erasmus presented William Warham, Archbishop of Canterbury, with a copy of his translation of Euripides’ Hecuba, the reward was disappointing because the archbishop was wary of authors presenting their works to more than one patron. Therefore Erasmus completed a second translation, Iphiginia, and published both works with a dedication to Warham. The archbishop eventually became one of Erasmus’ most generous patrons. Several short translations from Plutarch’s Moralia served Erasmus as New Year’s presents during his next visits.
Source : Based on abstract in book