An Introduction to Venantius Fortunatus for Schoolchildren or Understanding the Medieval Concept World through Metonymy

by Mike Schorsch, Venantius Honorius Fortunatus

An Introduction to Venantius Fortunatus for Schoolchildren or Understanding the Medieval Concept World through Metonymy by Mike Schorsch is a radical translation of the poems of the 6th century Christian saint Venantius Fortunatus into a contemporary idiom. The translations are collaged, framed with assignments, and generally unexpected, revealing, luminous works.

Genres: Poetry

52 pages, Paperback

First published March 7, 2013

Reviews

[E. Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a remarkable work of translation. It's genius is in reinvesting exhausted poetic language with urgency and beauty through juxtaposition, recontextualization, and humor. One of the funniest works I've read in a long, long time, though not irreverent, Mike Schorch is a brilliant translator and poet and reinvents Fortunatus, saving him for a contemporary audience.

[Sarah Kosch · Rating 5 out of 5]

A translation of a Medieval saint from Latin to English doesn't sound all that fun, but Mike Schorsch's creative use of a workbook and contemporary references fills in the blanks between Venantius Fortunatus's beliefs and our own, bringing history to life and asking the big questions in a way that one doesn't mind answering.