Session 1.2 now and up first is Professor Jane Grogan @UCD_English looking at the Italian travels/translations of Englishmen c1540s/1550s! #OnBelonging
@UCD_English JG suggests connections more meaningful that study of their individual activities reveals. The common denigration ‘inglese italianato’ obscures a more empowering transcultural identity for these men – an identity of opportunity and authority. #OnBelonging
JG gives example of William Barker, known for translating Xenophon’s Cyropaedia but also a traveller to Italy, translator of Italian works, and part of John Cheke’s culturally influential circle. #OnBelonging
Things to note about Barker: 1) His Italian experiences were connected with people/values of Cheke circle; 2) He continued to draw on experiences long after his return from Italy; 3) Despite a career change, continued translating Italian works. #OnBelonging
Side note: useful to think of Barker as contributing to a larger ‘project’ – translation as a civic good!
4) Translators took on a new, adopted transcultural identity, becoming agents of transformation. #OnBelonging
Many other Italianate Englishmen contributed to this project in this role including associates Thomas Hoby, translator of Castiglione’s il Cortegiano, and William Thomas, author of the first Italian-English dictionary and grammar. #OnBelonging
'Italianate Englishman' was an enabling identity that benefitted them and others. Their translations and identities were new, innovative, and geared towards advancing English civilisation. #OnBelonging
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