Thomas Urquhart

Thomas Urquhart by George Glover1641

Thomas Urquhart (1611 – 1660) was a Scottish writer and translator, best known for his translation of François Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel. His work is notable for its wit, erudition, and the use of elaborate language. Urquhart's life and writings reflect the intellectual vibrancy of the 17th century, a period marked by significant developments in literature, science, and philosophy.

Early Life

Thomas Urquhart was born in 1611, into a noble family in Cromarty, Scotland. Little is known about his early education, but it is believed that he attended King's College, Aberdeen, where he would have received a classical education. Urquhart's family was involved in the military and political upheavals of the time, which influenced his later works.

Career

Urquhart's literary career is marked by his translations and original works. In 1653, he published the first two books of his translation of Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel, a masterpiece of French Renaissance literature. Urquhart's translation is celebrated for capturing the spirit and humor of the original text, despite the challenges posed by Rabelais's complex language and puns. His work contributed significantly to the English-speaking world's understanding and appreciation of Rabelais.

In addition to his translations, Urquhart wrote several original works. His most notable publications include The Jewel (1652), which is a defense of epic poetry, and Logopandecteision (1653), in which he proposed a universal language. Urquhart's writings demonstrate his wide-ranging interests, from literature and language to mathematics and genealogy.

Later Life and Legacy

The details of Urquhart's later life are scarce, and his death date is often cited as 1660, though the exact circumstances are unknown. He is believed to have died in exile, possibly in the Netherlands, a consequence of his Royalist sympathies during the English Civil War.

Urquhart's legacy lies in his contributions to literature and translation. His translation of Gargantua and Pantagruel remains a significant achievement for its linguistic creativity and fidelity to the original text. Urquhart is remembered as a unique and eccentric figure in Scottish literature, whose works reflect the intellectual curiosity and tumultuous times of the 17th century.

Works

• The Jewel (1652)
• Logopandecteision (1653)
• Translation of François Rabelais's Gargantua and Pantagruel (1653)

See Also

• François Rabelais
• Gargantua and Pantagruel
• Scottish literature
• English Civil War