Constructions of Nationhood in the Latin Writings of Henri Estienne

Cowling, David

Abstract

This paper argues for the inclusion of writing in Latin in the narrative of "literary nation-building" in early modern France through an analysis of expressions of amor patriae in the learned prefaces of Henri Estienne (Henricus Stephanus secundus). Estienne's celebrated defence of the French language against putative foreign (especially Italian) influence, conducted in his vernacular writings, is seen to have been nourished by his engagement with Italian and Spanish humanists in respect of Ciceronianism, the proper conception of Latinity and the ethical underpinnings of humanist editorial methodology.

Citation

Cowling, D. (2012). Constructions of Nationhood in the Latin Writings of Henri Estienne. Renæssanceforum, 8, 71-85

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2012
• Deposit Date: Mar 20, 2012
• Publicly Available Date: Sep 1, 2015
• Journal: Renaessanceforum : tidsskrift for renæssanceforskning = journal of Renaissance studies.
• Publisher: Forum for Renaissance Studies
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Pages: 71-85
• Publisher URL: http://renaessanceforum.dk/rf_8_2012.htm