Metamorphosis Transylvaniae

ISBN-13: 9780710307606 / Angielski / Miękka / 2005 / 256 str.

P. J. Moree

Opis

Baron Peter Apor lamented the passing of traditional Transylvanian practices and the Metamorphosis, written in 1783, is not a memoir in the usual sense so much a record of a vanishing way of that the life author had enjoyed in his youth, and had been told of by his elders. Apor focuses on the world he knew: upper-class society, the company of Princes and Counts. He gives detailed accounts of Transylvanian dress, feasts, rituals, ceremonials, travelling, weddings, funerals and other social functions that are unrivalled for gusto, humour and color. Here, for example, are young Lords whose horses had harnesses set with gems; Counts with forty castles; hospitality of a truly prodigious nature beginning with vermouth at breakfast drunk from silver goblets; fine banquets taken to the sound of pipes and violins, finishing with rousing dances such as the Mouse Dance.

Spis treści

Chapter 1 Metamorphosis Transylvaniae; Chapter 2 The reason for these writings; Chapter 3 Of Titles; Chapter 4 Of hospitality, luncheon and dinner; Chapter 5 Of the Prince's luncheon and dinner; Chapter 6 Of the dress of the Transylvanians of old; Chapter 7 Of the social intercourse and journeying of the Transylvanians of old.; Chapter 8 In what vehicles the Transylvanians of old travelled; Chapter 9 How the Hungarians of old loaded and travelled in The chaises and coaches described; Chapter 10 Of the weddings and marriages of the Transylvanians of old; Chapter 11 Of the funerals of the Transylvanians of old; Chapter 12 The ancient high offices of Transylvania; Chapter 13 Of the ancient oaths, the cursings and the modesty of the Transylvanians; Chapter 14 Of the Catholic religion;

O autorze

Baron Péter Apor (1676-1752) came from a long line of Transylvanian aristocrats. Bernard Adams (translator) was educated at Pembroke College, Cambridge and specializes in the translation of Hungarian literature.