Songe du Vieux Pèlerin by Philippe de Mézières

Abstract

552 Reviews the acceptability of neologisms in Italian by taking stock of the evolving definitions of neologia invarious Italian dictionaries. To the extent that the creation of an in ternational auxiliary language constitutes a grand neological enterprise, the theme of JeanneMartinet's contribution on the state of Interlingua dictionaries intersects with the general topic of this book. The other contributors, looking at French, deal with a variety of relevant topics. Giving the reader a welcome peek behind the scenes with regard to the process of collecting and evaluating neologisms from the press for possible inclusion in Larousse dictionaries, Khalid Alaoui compiles the raw percentages for the different domains and differentneotypes (morphological formulae) associated with a corpus of neologisms so gleaned in order to provide a snapshot of the state of current neological activity.Danielle Candel and Virginie Tombeux provide a detailed ana lysis of representative terminologies associated with nuclear energy as presented in the Tresor de la langue francaise, taking stock of the relative frequencies of the neotypes employed, and making it apparent that themulti-volume TLF has considerable potential for neological research even in such a specialized domain. After reviewing aspects of advertising-based neology, virtually all ofwhich escapes inclusion in conventional dictionaries, Karine Berthelot-Guiet provides a novel take on a possible format for a dictionary composed of such neologisms. Franchise Quinsat provides a highly detailed and unsparing (mistakes abound!) examination of the presentation of Arabisms in French dictionaries. Finally, in a refreshing contrast to thepresent obsession with Anglicisms, Mariagrazia Margarito provides a panorama on Italianisms, which were once similarly vilified, in current French dictionaries. University of Alabama Michael D. Picone Songe du Vieux Pelerin. By Philippe de Mezieres. Trans, by Joel Blanchard. (Agora) Paris: Pocket. 2008. 1002 pp. 13.60. ISBN 978-2-266-15711-7. On page 908 of themodern French translation of Philippe deMezieres's important political allegory Songe du Vieux Pelerin (1386-89) the author states that he is keeping things short because in general great lords today prefer short books. The irony of this statement is not lost on the translator, Joel Blanchard, who adds a laconic footnote: 'sic'. This note tells us much about the inherent sympathy and at the same time the critical distance that Blanchard maintains towards this prolix medieval writer. Blanchard's excellent translation (supplemented by explanatory notes and an updated bibliography) comes at a moment of revival of interest in themultifaceted works of this latemedieval soldier, diplomat, and royal adviser. Philippe's long life (1327-1405) coincided with major changes in the political and spiritual landscape of Europe and theNear East, and he contributed his ideas in such diverse areas as ideals of sainthood linked to the crusades, spiritualmarriage, and political theory.He also devised a detailed Rule fora new order of chivalry. The Songe, addressed to theyoung French king Charles VI, is an extremely complicated allegory centred on a long voyage undertaken by Queen Truth in the company of MLR, 105.2, 2010 553 Ardent Desir (Philippe's alter ego) and many allegorical ladies in order to find a place worthy of receiving theQueen's forgeof'bons besants' (good money). Travel ling throughmost of Europe (torn apart by theHundred Years War and theGreat Schism) and other regions, the company concludes that no place ismorally pure enough to receive the forge. In order tomake France worthy, theQueen begins to instructCharles VI, also called the young Moses, in the art of good government. Structured by intricate allegorical constructs, such as the ship of France, a chariot with many parts, and amoral chessboard, the topics treated range from fiscal, eco nomic, and judicial issues to religious instruction, the condemnation of astrology, and crusading projects. Blanchard isdoing an excellent job in rendering Philippe's extremely involved ideas in clear modern French and thusmaking this important text available to awider audience. He is also preparing a new critical edition of the Songe thatwill replace the seriously flawed edition by G.W. Coopland (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1969). University of Pittsburgh Renate Blumenfeld-Kosinski Les Croises en Orient: la representation de Vespace dans le cycle de la croisade. By Pascal Peron. Paris: Champion. 2008. 604 pp. 105. ISBN 978-2-7453 1689-9...