„Terrae Sanctae et urbis Hierusalem descriptio” brata Anzelma Polaka
“Terrae Sanctae et urbis Hierusalem descriptio”

Some Literary Values of the Work

Summary/Abstract: The article proposes an overview of some literary aspects of the rich narrative material present in Anselm Polak’s account of the visit to the Holy Land undertaken in autumn 1507. As a factual guidebook giving information about Palestine, Anselm’s work offers a comprehensive description of both: the places where Christ lived, and historic monuments the Christians worshipped. As for the artifacts analyzed, the Palestinian historical, political and social context was described. This perspective was expanded through a special coexistence of Christians and Saracens. Among others, the article examines the fanciful tales recurring in Anselm’s work, such as stories about a snake and the Blessed Virgin. The characteristic style of the writer, both Latin vocabulary and syntax alongside to their deviation from the classical Latin grammar, are also discussed. This presentation of such diverse dimensions of the work aims to highlight the values of Anselm’s writing unnoticed by other scholars.

• Details
• Contents