medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear Carlo,
As far as I know, the earliest account of the Harrowing of Hell is in a
sermon preached (presumably at Easter) by Eusebius of Alexandria, a somewhat
obscure Bishop from - probably - the 5th century.
The sermon is usually entitled "Sermo de Confusione Diaboli" and is to be
found in Migne , P G vol LXXXVI.
It has been edited by E. K. Rand in "Modern Philology" 1904 pp261-278. I
have a photocopy of this which I obtained on Inter Library Loan, so it ought
to be available through any good academic library.
A friend of mine translated for me the second part of it which concerns the
Harrowing of Hell and it is really splendid dramatic stuff with roaring
devils, a bewildered penitent thief, and King David, and Elijah all having
bit parts.
(I should explain that while Eusebius was Greek, the MS in question is a 9th
(?) century Latin translation which may have been compiled in Orleans.)
I also have a very nice photograph of a low relief of the Harrowing from
Bristol Cathedral (which was originally IIRC a House of Austen Canons).
This carving dates from the 11th C but is Anglo-Saxon in style and quite
different from the Byzantine tradition which we are all used to.
I will send the photograph to you as an attachment privately since this List
has rules about attachments.
I can also send you the English translation if it would be of any use to
you.
Brenda.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Carlo Valdameri" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2008 6:30 PM
Subject: [M-R] Medieval comments on harrowing the hell.
medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Dear members of the list.
I write from Italy and I have an amatourish interest in medieval
iconography.
Now I'm trying to write an article about a medieval sculpture showing the
Harrowing the hell.
So, I'm looking for medieval comments on this themathic and I know that a
few of them are quoted in J. A. MacCulloch, "The Hrrowing of Hell"
Edinburgh, 1930, pp. 83 e ss.
Unfortunately, as far as it seems, the book of MacCulloch cannot be found
in italian libraries and not even on the web.
Could anybody give me suggestions about how to find the book, or where else
I can find medieval comments on Harrowing the Hell?
Thank you in advance for any help you will be so kind as to give me.
Best
Carlo Valdameri
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