Middle High German Legends in English Translation

"This book contains five legends from the German Middle Ages, presented in the Middle High German source language, with a modern English translation. These include the narratives of Veronica, Vespasian, Theophilus, Mary Magdalene and the miraculous history of the True Cross. This outstanding and timely translation of these Middle High German texts will make them more accessible to an English speaking academic community. The introduction provides an overview of Germanic legend research, discusses the main principal themes in medieval German legends and provides summary introductions to each of the texts. The translations are easy to read and successful at finding the balance between faithfulness to original and providing the readership with a serviceable text. Through this book, beginners as well as advanced students should be able to gain knowledge in various fields: linguistic in mastering Middle High German and translation skills, literary-historical in acquiring and broadening knowledge of a literary genre that is typical for the Middle Ages and medieval literature. The book is also aimed at students and scholars who are not proficient in Middle High German. The English translation will give them access to this important field. "

Barend Verkerk was a teacher of German language and literature. He studied German language and literature at Utrecht University with special interest in Medieval studies and theology.

Jef Jacobs was a professor of Medieval and Early Modern German Studies at Leiden University. His main interests are Old and Middle High German language, religious German literature of the Middle Ages, medieval mysticism and German literature of the Baroque.