Understanding the reasons why French texts were copied, created, and perpetuated in Italy requires not only a consideration of each text, but also the contexts in which these works appear. Examining the individual manuscripts in which the texts were copied, as well as the compilation of each manuscript, provides further evidence for the language choices made by those who created or comissioned each compilation.

Evidence for circulation of French texts on Italian soil comes primarily from examining where the manuscripts containing these texts were produced and ultimately housed (cf. Busby, 2002). Although there are areas of concentrated manuscript production (in Genoa, Bologna, Venice, and Naples, for example), manuscripts containing French texts were also produced in Rome, Florence, Padua, or Milan, although in smaller quantities. Some of the Italian writers of French, including Brunetto Latini and Martin da Canal, qualified their choice using French in their works by claiming that the French language circulated widely, and even, as da Canal states, “throughout the world.” When available, information on the provenance of each manuscript has been provided on this site, to demonstrate how French texts traveled from one Italian locale or author/copyist to another.

What need were these French language texts fulfilling? Several Franch language manuscripts, for example, brought together multiple histories from classical sources, underscoring an contemporary desire of Italians to know more about those whom they considered their direct ancestors, who had inhabited the peninsula centuries before.Other compilations attest to the continued interest in Arthurian romance into the late fourteenth century, or a desire for contemporary French works in Italy. Each manuscript provides evidence for the various functions of French and French texts during the time they were produced in Italy.

Manuscripts will be added to this list as the site develops.

MS: Paris, Bibliothque Nationale, fr. 726

Known details of production:
Copied in Genoa, 3rd to 4th quarter of 13th century.
Copyist's note, on f.109: "Celui de cui le livre est et celui aui l'escrit/ Puisse aler avec Jezu Crist. Dictes Amen que/ Dieu l'otroit. Ensi com je ai dit si soit."

Contents: Fait des Romains; Emperors de Rome; Le livre dou Trésor, by Brunetto Latini.

Secondary material on this manuscript:

Avril, Francois and Yolanta Zaluska. Manuscrits enluminés d'origine italienne, 37-38. Paris: Bibliothèque nationale, 1980.

Flutre, 65, 88-137.

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MS: Paris, Bibliothque Nationale, fr. 23082

Known details of production:
Copied in Genoa, 4th quarter of 13th century.

Contents: Fait des Romains; Emperors de Rome; Chronologie

Secondary material on this manuscript:

Avril, Francois and Yolanta Zaluska. Manuscrits enluminés d'origine italienne, 39. Paris: Bibliothèque nationale, 1980.

Flutre, 70-71, 88-137.

Meyer, Paul.“Les premières compilations françaises d’Histoire ancienne.” Romania 14 (1885), 3.

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MS: Paris, Bibliothque Nationale, fr. 343

Known details of production:
Copied in Padua or Milan, 1380-1385.

Contents: Romans de la table ronde, Mort le roi artu, tristan de léonois, Queste del saint graal

Secondary material on this manuscript:

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