Manchester University Press European Erotic Romance: Philhellene Protestantism, Renaissance Translation and English Literary Politics (The Manchester Spenser)

"Renaissance Erotic Romance" examines the Renaissance publication and translation of the ancient Greek erotic romances, and English adaptations of the genre by Sir Philip Sidney, Shakespeare and Lady Mary Sidney Wroth. Providing fresh insight into the development of the novel, this study identifies the politicization of erotic romance by the European philhellene (lovers of all things Greek) Protestant movement. To English translators and authors, the complex plots, well developed moralized characters (particularly female) and rhetorical styles of the ancient novels signify political and social reform. Part One introduces readers to the rhetorical principles governing ancient erotic fiction. Chapters on Daphnis and Chloe by Longus, Leukippe and Kleitophon by Achilles Tatius and An Ethiopian Story by Heliodorus reveal how social, cultural and political differences influence the translation of these texts. Detailed comparisons of Latin, French and English editions demonstrate the adaptability of erotic romance for propaganda and panegyric. The philhellene Protestants of the Dudley-Devereux-Sidney circle adopt erotic romance, and associated Lives by Plutarch, to advocate responsible monarchy and intolerance of tyranny in the state, church and home. Within this context, Part Two assesses the political thrust of Sidney's Arcadia, Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", "Antony and Cleopatra", "Coriolanus", "The Winter's Tale" and "Cymbeline", and Lady Mary Sidney Wroth's "Urania". Generous quotation and translations ensure that European Erotic Romance is accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. Its organization lends itself to use as a course text. It is suitable for use by senior undergraduates and specialists in Renaissance literature, translation, rhetoric and history. Review The attention paid to the initial reception of Greek romance across Renaissance Europe is unparalleled. This wide-ranging and engaging study will prove especially useful for those interested in the transmission and translation of Greco-Roman texts. From the Inside Flap European Erotic Romance examines the Renaissance publication and translation of the ancient Greek erotic romances, and English adaptations of the genre by Sir Philip Sidney, Shakespeare and Lady Mary Sidney Wroth. Providing fresh insight into the development of the novel, this study identifies the politicisation of erotic romance by the European philhellene (lovers of all things Greek) Protestant movement. To English translators and authors, the complex plots, well developed moralised characters (particularly female) and rhetorical styles of the ancient novels signify political and social reform. Generous quotation and translations ensure that European Erotic Romance is accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. Its organisation lends itself to use as a course text. It is suitable for use by senior undergraduates and specialists in Renaissance literature, translation, rhetoric and history. From the Back Cover European Erotic Romance examines the Renaissance publication and translation of the ancient Greek erotic romances, and English adaptations of the genre by Sir Philip Sidney, Shakespeare and Lady Mary Sidney Wroth. Providing fresh insight into the development of the novel, this study identifies the politicisation of erotic romance by the European philhellene (lovers of all things Greek) Protestant movement. To English translators and authors, the complex plots, well developed moralised characters (particularly female) and rhetorical styles of the ancient novels signify political and social reform. Generous quotation and translations ensure that European Erotic Romance is accessible to a broad spectrum of readers. Its organisation lends itself to use as a course text. It is suitable for use by senior undergraduates and specialists in Renaissance literature, translation, rhetoric and history. About the Author Dr Victor Skretkowicz is an Honorary Reader of Lit