Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Italian
The publisher, Peter Lang Publishing
Catherine of Alexandria was undoubtedly one of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages. Her mystical union with Christ and her martyrdom ordeal inspired many works of prose and poetry in a wide variety of languages, including Italian. The Festa et storia is singular in that it is one of only two known medieval Italian plays about this saint, and it is structured to be performed over a three-day period. This religious play, or sacra rappresentazione, is analyzed in the context of medieval lay confraternities and of earlier treatments of Catherine's legend in Italy. The linguistic and literary aspects of the text reflect its place in the popular literary tradition of late medieval Siena. Also, the primary Latin source of the Festa et storia and many other Romance vernacular recensions, BHL 1663, is provided in English translation.
Festa et Storia di Sancta Caterina: A Medieval Italian Religious Drama, Vol. 25 FROM THE PUBLISHER
Catherine of Alexandria was undoubtedly one of the most popular saints in the Middle Ages. Her mystical union with Christ and her martyrdom ordeal inspired many works of prose and poetry in a wide variety of languages, including Italian. The Festa et storia is singular in that it is one of only two known medieval Italian plays about this saint, and it is structured to be performed over a three-day period. This religious play, or sacra rappresentazione, is analyzed in the context of medieval lay confraternities and of earlier treatments of Catherine's legend in Italy. The linguistic and literary aspects of the text reflect its place in the popular literary tradition of late medieval Siena. Also, the primary Latin source of the Festa et storia and many other Romance vernacular recensions, BHL 1663, is provided in English translation.
FROM THE CRITICS
Booknews
Presents the complete text of the medieval Italian play honoring St.
Catherine of Alexandria. An introduction analyzes the play in the
context of medieval lay confraternities, looks at earlier treatments
of Catherine's legend in Italy, and addresses linguistic and literary
aspects of the play that reflect its place in the popular literary
tradition of late medieval Siena. Includes a translation of the
primary Latin source on Catherine's life, "BHL" 1663. No index.
Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.
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