DeGregorio, Scott, 2006. Bede on Ezra and Nehemiah. Translated with an introduction and notes by Scott DeGregorio. Liverpool: Liverpool University Press. (ISBN 1-84631-001-0). Price: £17.57 (pbk). 260pp.
Reviewed by Mary Rambaran-Olm (University of Glasgow)
As the only complete commentary on the Old Testament books Ezra and Nehemiah written in either the patristic and medieval era, Bede's In Ezram et Neemiam is a literary and historical gem. Professor DeGregorio's translation of Bede's commentary is the first of its kind in any language and forms part of a continuing series of books being assembled by Translated Texts for Historians (TTH), which endeavours to make important texts from the Late Imperial and Anglo-Saxon period available for history students and general readers who may not have a repertoire of ancient languages to draw on to read the original material. Since no modern translation exists in any language, Professor DeGregorio is presented with the tremendous task to exhibit Bede's Latin commentary in a genuine, yet comprehensive, way - an undertaking he handles with great proficiency and precision. Being responsible for the first translation of Bede's work is no small task on its own; however, DeGregorio exceeds expectations required of a conventional translation by offering thought provoking arguments in his own introductory comments. DeGregorio calls attention to the idea that Bede was an innovative commentator rather than a 'slavish imitator,' by asserting that along with being 'the first and only complete exegesis of Ezra-Nehemiah produced in the Middle Ages, [Bede's commentary] is a purposefully innovative work prov[ing] that [his] exegetical talents were not limited to mere compilation' (p.xv).
To say that this book is simply a translation would be an understatement. The book combines a methodical 44-page Introduction with 182 pages containing the actual translation, and it is evident that DeGregorio aggressively scrutinized Bede's text to produce a polished and thoroughly analyzed translation. In the Introduction, DeGregorio does not shy away from making convincing claims that go beyond conventional understanding of Bede's approach to scripture, by asserting that Bede's 'interests in the biblical text are not as is sometimes alleged, dominated purely by allegory' (p.xxi). DeGregorio further explains that Bede paid 'close attention to the litterae sensus [and exercises his own] flair for textual criticism in particular.'
Content in the Introduction is presented in a focused and systematic manner, beginning with a summary of specific background material (esp. pp.xii-xxv), details about Bede and his approach to the texts (pp.xxv-xlii), and a brief commentary on modern editions of Bede's In Ezram et Neemiam (pp.xlii-xliv). Thus, readers are equipped with a great deal of background material in order to fully benefit from reading the subsequent text. Apart from the translation and introductory comments, this volume also contains comprehensive annotations that are listed as footnotes at the end of each page of the translation, two brief appendices (pp.227-233) complimented by an exhaustive bibliography (pp.235-248). Keeping in mind that DeGregorio's undertaking is not to create an edition, and that 'it is hardly the purpose of the translation to re-edit the text being translated,' the additional information is practical as a means of contextualizing the text and superbly compliments the translation of Bede's commentary.
Visually, the translation is easy to read and presented in a systematic and methodical manner. DeGregorio 'ensures the readability of the translated text, [by] break[ing] up Bede's characteristically lengthy sentences into smaller units' (p.xliii), yet DeGregorio makes every effort to present Bede's sentence structure with minimal modifications. DeGregorio also accommodates readers who might read the volume alongside the Latin text, thus, two numbering systems run along side the translation to facilitate cross-referencing.
Although very little information is given to discussing the actual manuscript and its physical description (pp.xxii-xxv), DeGregorio contextualizes the purpose for Bede's commentary by pinpointing his audience. Essentially, since no interpretation of Ezra and Nehemiah was written by the Anglo-Saxon period, 'Bede was breaking new ground and accordingly must have sensed that he was producing a work that would appeal to a wide international audience' (p.xxxvi). Further still, since DeGregorio's translation, itself, serves to introduce readers to Bede's commentary, it makes perfect sense not to overwhelm readers with too many particulars about the actual manuscript, scribal hands, or linguistical information. Priority is given to highlighting the text itself, and in the process readers are offered a glimpse at Bede, not merely as a compiler, but rather as one who left 'footprints of his own - relative to the needs of the immediate Northumbrian world in which he lived' (p.xxxvi). Any attempt to highlight DeGregorio's apparent lack of palaeographical or linguistic material in the Introduction is quickly cut short by the realization that further assistance regarding any aspect of the text, and its author, is provided in the comprehensive bibliography (pp.235-248). Additionally, the inclusion of an exhaustive list of sources in the final pages of the book (pp.249-260), cataloguing each source and reference that Bede takes from the Bible, is testimony to the immense dedication and patience that went into producing this reliable and comprehensive translation.
The book is generally an outstanding model of what a translation with introduction and notes should contain, yet it is marred by a minor irritant. It seems a bit churlish and hypocritical to say that the Introduction is somewhat verbose in its presentation of background material, especially after acknowledging DeGregorio's sensitivity to readers and the mission to make Bede's work accessible to readers unable to manage the original material. Thus, it is not so much a criticism of the book, but rather a caution to readers to approach the book with some knowledge of the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah as well as having some familiarity with patristic commentary, such as that of Jerome and Augustine. The fact that DeGregorio is conscious that many readers will be approaching Bede's commentary with very little or no knowledge of the Bible is commendable and he goes to great lengths to familiarize modern readers with the period when Ezra and Nehemiah were written, the patristic era, and Anglo-Saxon period. Still, the translator can only do so much, and in the end, it almost goes without saying that it would be necessary to have some background information or experience with Christian and Jewish history, patristic writings and the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah, themselves, before approaching this book.
On a more technical note, and much to DeGregorio's credit, no apparent errors occur within the Introduction and subsequent material, and if there are any, they are so miniscule that they certainly will be overlooked by most readers in the same way that any minor flaws were missed by proofreaders. Given that the book is flawless in its 260 pages is a testimony of the meticulous effort that went in to editing the entire text and it stands as a model of what must have been painstakingly meticulous proofreading.
Overall, the book is an impressive text and is both versatile and very user friendly. The book is reasonably priced and a worthwhile investment because it will certainly deepen readers' understanding of In Ezram et Neemiam, while also shedding light on Bede's not inconsiderable abilities as an exegete. Not only is the book suitable for students, but scholars will also benefit greatly from the book as well. The provocative conclusions drawn about Bede expressed by DeGregorio will, undoubtedly, appeal to academics in various fields. The sound and detailed translation of Bede's In Ezram et Neemiam boasts of reliability and thoughtfulness and DeGregorio should be praised for the outstanding work that went into producing his exemplary translation.