Ancient World Seminar: Bram van der Velde (University of Groningen), "A new Columbus epic"

Abstract

In this talk, Prof. van der Velde will discuss a collaborative project he is currently working on: a translated edition of a hitherto unknown Latin epic on Columbus’ voyages to the New World, namely that written by the Spanish Jesuit priest José Manuel Peramás, published in 1777. He will illustrate how the discovery of this epic leads to considerable correctives to scholarship, using excerpts from this work to embed it in its literary, cultural, and intellectual contexts. He will also discuss how, and to what extent, classically-trained Latinists are able to use their expertise in engaging in collaborative Neo-Latin projects of this kind, and talk about what he has learnt in the process.

About the speaker

Bram van der Velde is Assistant Professor of Latin Literature at the University of Groningen. His research interests include: Late Antique Latin literature, ancient commentaries, the history of classical scholarship, and reception studies.