The Old French Johannes Translation of the Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle - by Ronald N Walpole (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The Old French Johannes Translation of the Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle explores a pivotal moment in the evolution of medieval historiography and literary tradition. This translation reimagines the Pseudo-Turpin Chronicle, a spurious Latin text that claimed to document Charlemagne's crusades in Spain and his divine mission to liberate St. James's shrine in Compostela. Written to elevate Charlemagne as both a historical and mythological figure, the Chronicle reflects the era's fascination with the Emperor as an idealized Christian ruler. The Johannes translation, rendered in prose, made this narrative accessible to lay audiences, blending poetic drama with the moral gravitas of chivalric and religious ideals. By incorporating the apocryphal account of Charlemagne's pilgrimage to Jerusalem, the text reinforced his image as a crusader and protector of Christendom, aligning with contemporary interests in faith, relics, and national identity.

This edition examines the text's manuscript tradition, linguistic adaptations, and cultural significance, shedding light on how it resonated with medieval audiences. The Johannes Turpin exemplifies the melding of sacred and secular narratives, transforming the Charlemagne mythos into a vibrant expression of medieval values and aspirations. Through meticulous analysis of its widespread manuscript tradition and its role in vernacular literature, this study underscores the translation's importance in shaping the perception of Charlemagne as a heroic figure while offering a glimpse into the medieval imagination. It provides a comprehensive resource for understanding the intricate relationship between legend, history, and literary craft in medieval Europe.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1976.