|
STUDENTS of English and
Scottish history in the thirteenth ^ and fourteenth centuries have so
long been familiar with the record known as The Chronicle of Lanercost
that an English translation may seem to be a superfluity. But, whereas
the tendency of modern education is to exchange the study of the
classics for a diversity of other subjects reputed to be of greater
utility, it is certain that a far smaller proportion of educated persons
can read Latin easily in the twentieth century than could do so before
that flexible language had ceased to be the common medium of scientific
and literary intercourse. Now the writer or writers of this chronicle
indulged in so many digressions from formal narrative, thereby casting
so many sidelights upon the social conditions of his time, that an
English translation may prove convenient for such readers as lack time
for arduous historical research.
The Latin text was edited
from the oldest extant MS.1 by the late Joseph Stevenson with his usual
acumen and fidelity, and printed for the Maitland and Bannatyne Clubs in
1839. 'The whole Chronicle,' wrote Stevenson in his preface, 'as it now
stands has been reduced to its present form, about the latest period of
which it treats, by a writer who had before him materials of a varied
character and of unequal merit.' In this form it has been appended as a
continuation to Roger de
Hoveden's Annals.
In Stevenson's opinion
there is no warrant for attributing the origin of this chronicle to the
Priory of Lanercost. He judged from internal evidence that it was
written by a Minorite Friar of Carlisle. That evidence has been analysed
afresh by Dr. James Wilson, who has contributed an introductory chapter
vindicating the claim in favour of the Augustinian Priory of Lanercost
as the source of the chronicle. It still remains somewhat perplexing
that an Austin Canon, or a succession of Austin Canons, should have been
at the pains exhibited in this chronicle to exalt the renown of the
Franciscan Order of Mendicants. The entire work covers the period from
1201 to 1346. The translation now presented only extends over the reigns
of Edward I. and II. and part of the reign of Edward III., a period of
perennial interest to Scotsmen, who, however, must not be offended at
the bitter partisanship of a writer living just over the Border.
In preparing the
translation for the press I have had the advantage of the literary
acumen and historical erudition of Mr. George Neilson, LL.D., who, by
undertaking the tedious task of reading my MS., has steered me clear of
many pitfalls and pulled me out of others into which I had fallen.
HERBERT MAXWELL.
MONREITH,
1st March, 1913.
You can download the book here |
