International Journal of Language & Literature

The First Political Printed Book in Europe: The Epistolae et Orationes Contra Turcos by Cardinal Bessarion
Vasileios Pappas

Abstract
In this paper, we examine Greek cardinal Bessarion’s (1403-1472) last work, Epistolae et Orationes contra Turcos, in 1470. Bessarion’s book was printed for first time to the Press of Sorbonne’s University under the auspices of the professor and humanist Guillaume Fichet, who made sure so as this work to arrive in the hands of all powerful European sovereigns. Regarding the present paper, it was used the third work’s edition of Bessarion, which took place in Rome, in 1543. Our work, as it is obvious from its title, is consisted of two basic parts: a) the letters (Epistolae) and b) the speeches (Orationes). The first part counts four letters (the Fichet’s letter to Edward the fourth and the three letters of Bessarion to Fichet, to the Italian sovereigns and to the abbot Bessarion respectively), while the second section is consisted of two admonitory speeches of Bessarion to the Italian rulers and the latin translation of Demosthenes’ first Olynthiac speech, which was elaborated by the cardinal himself. In his swan song, Bessarion reveals his wisdom, as well as his deep grief and sore for his homeland which was captured. He also exhibits the attempts of the struggle against Turks, which were resultless.

Full Text: PDF      DOI: 10.15640/ijll.v2n3a3