Richard Verstegan, A Restitution of Decayed Intelligence (1605)

Early Modern Notes on the Germanic Roots of England's Language and Culture

Image
Image from A Restitution of Decayed Intelligence

When

4 – 5:15 p.m., Feb. 16, 2010

Where

As part of The Early Book Lectures Series VII, an annual exploration by UA scholars of the treasure trove of medieval texts held by the University Libraries, Professor Willard covers the medieval exploration of influences on the English language and culture by author and Anglo-Dutch antiquary Richard Verstegan. The Special Collections vault contains a 1605 first edition of Restitution which includes a preface signed by Verstegan. Verstegan compiled a comprehensive guide to the origins of English words and names that advanced the nascent study of Old English. His Restitution examined everything from etymology to geology to Norse mythology to Germanic folklore such as the Pied Piper of Hamelin.

Contacts

Bonnie Travers
Thomas S. Willard, Professor, Department of English