One of the most popular and widely read books of the Middle Ages, "Physiologus" contains allegories of beasts, stones, and trees both real and imaginary, infused by their anonymous author with the spirit of Christian moral and mystical teaching. Accompanied by an introduction that explains the origins, history, and literary value of this curious text, this volume also reproduces twenty woodcuts from the 1587 version. Originally composed in the fourth century in Greek, and translated into dozens of versions through the centuries, "Physiologus" will delight readers with its ancient tales of ant-lions, centaurs, and hedgehogs - and their allegorical significance.

About the Author
Michael J. Curley is professor emeritus of English at the University of Puget Sound. He is the author of many books, including Alessandro Manzoni: Two Plays.

Reviews
"An elegant little book... still diverting to look at today.... The woodcuts reproduced from the 1587 Rome edition are alone worth the price of the book." - Raymond A. Sokolov, New York Times Book Review "Curley gives a careful account of the history and development of Physiologus, including the insoluble problem of its authorship." - Anne Clark, Washington Post Book World"



Book Information
ISBN 9780226128702
Author Michael J. Curley
Format Paperback
Page Count 144
Imprint University of Chicago Press
Publisher The University of Chicago Press
Weight(grams) 198g