Knowledge Communication and the Translation of Devotional Literature within Samuel Hartlib’s Circle

Abstract

Abstract In earlier research, Stephen Clucas observed a slight decrease in the frequency of theological and religious topics in Hartlib’s Ephemerides, from about 1640 to 1659. However, in Hartlib’s circle during this period and beyond, a serious commitment to collecting and translating English devotional literature into German can be observed. In this article, therefore, I would like to establish from the current state of The Hartlib Papers: 1) what kind of projects were carried out and by whom, 2) how these persons became involved and for how long, and 3) to what extent their work fits into the general aims and methods of members of Hartlib’s circle. From the analysis, it transpires that a network of Palatine men engaged with English devotional books from about 1632/1633 until 1662. These persons used Hartlib’s network as a platform for their projects, which were associated with several of the overall aims and methods of Hartlib’s circle.