This book contains five legends from the German Middle Ages, presented in the Middle High German source language, with a modern English translation. These include the narratives of Veronica, Vespasian, Theophilus, Mary Magdalene and the miraculous history of the True Cross. Thisoutstanding and timely translation of these Middle High German texts will make them more accessible to an English speaking academic community.
The introduction provides an overview of Germanic legend research, discusses the main principal themes in medieval German legends and provides summary introductions to each of the texts. The translations are easy to read and successful at finding the balance between faithfulness to original and providing the readership with a serviceable text.
Through this book, beginners as well as advanced students should be able to gain knowledge in various fields: linguistic in mastering Middle High German and translation skills, literary-historical in acquiring and broadening knowledge of a literary genre that is typical for the Middle Ages and medieval literature. The book is also aimed at students and scholars who are not proficient in Middle High German. The English translation will give them access to this important field.
Jef Jacobs was a professor of Medieval and Early Modern German Studies at Leiden University. His main interests are Old and Middle High German language, religious German literature of the 11th and 12th century, medieval mysticism and German literature of the Baroque.
Kenny Louwen is a professional translator of English and German. He studied German language and literature with special interest in Middle Dutch and Middle High German and is editor of the Old Dutch Dictionary.
Bart Veldhoen was a senior lecturer in English literature, specifically in Medieval literature. His main research interests are romances of chivalry and structuralist criticism.
Barend Verkerk was a teacher of German language and literature. He studied German language and literature at Utrecht University, with special interest in Medieval studies and theology.
