Latin and Vernacular Translation in Early Modern Verona: Two Visits to Monte Baldo

• In Event: Authorial Translation in Renaissance Europe I

Abstract

In the late 16th century two apothecaries undertook research trips to Monte Baldo on Lake Garda. They came from the same town and practiced the same profession. They were also one generation apart and published their accounts in both Latin and Italian.
Francesco Calzolari published his Viaggio di Monte Baldo in 1566. He translated it into Latin himself in 1571. Joannes Pona’s account was published in Latin in 1601. An Italian translation by Joannes' son followed in 1617.
This paper will consider the motivations that Calzolari and Pona had for their original choice of language and their later translations. It will first reflect on the historical context of these decisions, but it will conclude by offering some more suggestive explanations for their initial language choice and interesting translation practices.

Author

• William Barton, Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Neo-Latin Studies