idn» t have analogs in Europe of that time, remains indisputable. The following works were translated
) «History against pagans» bishop Orozy, written in the V century. The author inspired by some ideas of Augustine, created work in which sought to justify Christianity from charges that the Roman Empire through his fault fell. Orozy's book was in the middle Ages very popular and authority that probably and determined a choice by her Alfred as a peculiar textbook of history for compatriots. In translation there are a lot of omissions and changes; seven books of the original were consolidated to six. Besides, data on those countries in which it is widespread «Teutonic» (Ie German) language are added, and the story of two travelers who have told Alfred about the scene is included.
) «Church history of the people» mentioned above Troubles Venerable. Here already freedom in relation to the original gives way to aspiration as it is possible to retell more precisely its matter, bringing sometimes to literalism.
) «About a consolation philosophy» Boetion (VI century). This work «last Roman» wrote in a dungeon waiting for execution. Boetsy «s book was respected huge respect in the middle Ages, and in her author saw the Christian martyr who was injured for belief. As the text is very difficult for understanding, Alfred as report sources asked in the beginning one of the associates - Bishop Asser to explain him the original, and already then shifted it in English. The address with the original rather free: its structure changes, many places are excluded, Christian color whenever possible amplifies. Some hints and the hints not familiar to contemporaries of Alfred are replaced with clear examples for his compatriots.Boetsy »s style the combination of prosaic and poetic statements is characteristic. Two variants of translation one of which is entirely executed by prose remained, and in the second attempt to apply characteristic for Old English an alliterating verse is made.
) «Duties of the pastor» father Grigory I (VI century). This translation more carefully and strictly follows the original, than all the others and though in it also enough paraphrases often meet, it isn't necessary to speak about a liberty. The choice of the called work representing something like the textbook for clergy probably spoke not only its general meaning for medieval culture, but also a special role of the author in a Christianization of England: at it the group of monks-benedicts led by Augustine for the organization of church life in the south of the country was sent. As in Gregorys I work it is spoken about what ideal of the Christian priest has to be, Alfred considered necessary to extend its translation as it is possible more widely among English clergy and dispatched copies of the last to all bishops. In the preface the king speaks about the happy past of England, opposing former prosperity «in war and sciences» to the sad present: before foreigners came here to look for wisdom, because of decline of education it is necessary to go in its searches abroad. Nevertheless Alfred considers necessary to note undoubted progress in the education development, observed in years of its board. Urging church hierarchs to be released from word affairs and to be given to comprehension of knowledge, the king states a wish that all freeborn young people learned to read well in the native language and those who will stu...
