Metamorphosis Transylvaniae

by Apor

• ISBN13: 9780710307606
• ISBN10: 0710307608
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2005-09-28
• Publisher: Routledge

Summary

Baron Peter Apor lamented the passing of traditional Transylvanian practices and the Metamorphosis, written in 1783, is not a memoir in the usual sense so much a record of a vanishing way of that the life author had enjoyed in his youth, and had been told of by his elders. Apor focuses on the world he knew: upper-class society, the company of Princes and Counts. He gives detailed accounts of Transylvanian dress, feasts, rituals, ceremonials, travelling, weddings, funerals and other social functions that are unrivalled for gusto, humour and color. Here, for example, are young Lords whose horses had harnesses set with gems; Counts with forty castles; hospitality of a truly prodigious nature beginning with vermouth at breakfast drunk from silver goblets; fine banquets taken to the sound of pipes and violins, finishing with rousing dances such as the Mouse Dance.

Table of Contents

Introduction	vii
Glossary	xviii
Place-Names	xx
A Guide to Hungarian Pronunciation	xxiii
The Reason for These Writings	3	(2)
Of Titles	5	(4)
Of Hospitality, Luncheon and Dinner	9	(10)
Of the Prince's Luncheon and Dinner	19	(6)
Of the Dress of the Transylvanians of Old	25	(10)
Of the Social Intercourse and Journeying of the Transylvanians of Old	35	(8)
In What Vehicles the Transylvanians of Old Travelled	43	(4)
How the Hungarians of Old Loaded and Travelled in the Chaises and Coaches Described	47	(8)
Of the weddings and marriages of the Transylvanians of old	55	(20)
Of the Funerals of the Transylvanians of old	75	(10)
The Ancient High Offices of Transylvania	85	(4)
Of the Ancient Oaths, the Cursings and the Modesty of the Transylvanians	89	(6)
Of the Catholic Religion	95	(18)
Endnotes	113