The two texts of the
Dialogue presented here, a Latin version printed ca. 1488 and a Middle English translation printed in 1492, preserve lively, entertaining, and revealing exchanges between the Old Testament wisdom figure Solomon and Marcolf, a medieval peasant who is ragged and foul-mouthed but quick-witted and verbally astute. The
Dialogue was a best-seller of its day; Latin versions survive in some twenty-seven manuscripts and forty-nine early printed editions and the work was translated into a wide variety of late medieval vernaculars, including German, Dutch, Swedish, Italian, English, and Welsh.
About the AuthorNancy Mason Bradbury is Professor of English at Smith College, and focuses on Chaucer, anonymous medieval romances and tales, and medieval proverbs. Scott Bradbury is Professor of Classical Languages and Literatures at Smith College, specializing in the history of the Later Roman Empire and in ancient religions.
Book InformationISBN 9781580441803
Author Nancy Mason BradburyFormat Paperback
Page Count 118
Imprint Medieval Institute PublicationsPublisher Medieval Institute Publications