La Grande Bretagne, patrie des sciences? La representation des technologies scientifiques dans Geoffroy de Monmouth et Layamon

Le Saux, F. (2015) La Grande Bretagne, patrie des sciences? La representation des technologies scientifiques dans Geoffroy de Monmouth et Layamon. In: Tetrel, H. and Veysseyre, G. (eds.) L'Historia regum Britannie et les «Bruts» en Europe. Rencontres 106, Serie Civilisation medievale, 12. Classiques Garnier, Paris, pp. 157-178. ISBN 9782812433184

Abstract/Summary

The work of Geoffrey of Monmouth shows a great interest in scientific knowledge. His Vita Merlini in particular echoes Aristotelian theory, but the entirety of his work betrays an awareness of recent developments following the first translations of scientific texts from the Arabic into Latin. The treatment of scientific motifs in Geoffrey's earliest vernacular translations is examined. Wace and Layamon both espouse the clerical, learned filter through which the British past is viewed in their source. The later Brut tradition, however, this aspect is replaced by a political focus.