Some of you may be familiar with Heinrich Fichtenau's most recent book,
"Ketzer und Professoren: Haresie und Vernunftglaube im Hochmittelalter,"
which was published by Beck in 1992. I am the history editor at Penn State
Press (I have an M.A. in Medieval History) and have commissioned an English
translation of this book, which is now about three quarters complete.
Unfortunately, we've had a difficult time coming up with an English title
for the book--one that accurately reflects the content of the book and that
is also agreeable to the ear. For those of you who know German, you can
see why this is a problem. A literal translation of the German title is
tricky and rather ugly in English. I am, therefore, writing to the group
to ask for some creative input.
One of the problems we're facing is how to translate "Hochmittelalter" into
English. Am I write in stating that the "High Middle Ages" means something
entirely different in the US (and in England?) than it does in Germany?
(And both terms are different from "Le Haut Moyen Age"?)
But "Hochmittelater" is only one of the problems. "Ketzer,"
"Vernunftglaube," and even "Professoren" present difficulties in English.
Professor Fichtenau first recommended a very straightforward and simplified
title as a solution: "Heretics and Scholastics in the 11th and 12th
Centuries." This does, in fact, work but it isn't very compelling.
Fortunately, he is not wedded to this title and is open to suggestions.
However, I'm having trouble coming up with some alternatives.
Thus, for any of you who know the book or who at least know something about
the topic, I welcome your suggestions. I realize that this is an unusual
request, but in my experience titles often come through circuitous routes.
Thanks.
Peter J. Potter
Penn State Press
820 N. University Drive
University Park, PA 16802
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814-865-1327
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