John of Garland’s De triumphis Ecclesie

This is the first translation in any language of John of Garland’s poem about the historical events of his lifetime (c. 1195- c. 1258), together with revised Latin text, introduction and notes. This work gives a vivid picture of Anglo-French relations, of studies in Toulouse after the Albigensian Crusade, and of the need for faith following Louis’ catastrophic defeat in the Seventh Crusade. John gives us insights into his own life, and a stream of stories, holy and profane. The translation and notes bring to life for a wide range of medievalists this eye-witness account by an Englishman in France of major events of the age, especially 1242-52. They make clear John’s debts to classical authors and to contemporaries, especially Alan of Lille and Matthew Paris. Through re-ordering the lines, this edition now generates clarity from the single manuscript. It also offers fresh insights and a new perspective on John of Garland himself.