The “Catalogus Translationum et Commentariorum: Mediaeval and Renaissance Latin Translations and Commentaries” is an extensive scholarly series that meticulously documents the transmission and transformation of classical Greek and Latin literature from antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance, up to approximately A.D. 1600. Initiated in 1946 by the esteemed scholar Paul Oskar Kristeller, the series has evolved into an indispensable resource for researchers delving into the classical tradition’s enduring influence on Western intellectual history.

Each volume in the series is dedicated to individual classical authors, offering a comprehensive analysis of their reception and impact over the centuries. The structure of these volumes typically begins with a detailed “Fortuna” essay, which traces the author’s historical trajectory and influence from antiquity to the early modern period. This is followed by meticulously compiled lists of Latin translations and commentaries, encompassing both manuscript and printed editions. For Greek authors, the series provides exhaustive inventories of Latin translations, reflecting the broader dissemination of these works in the West, often surpassing the circulation of the original Greek texts. In the case of Latin authors, the focus shifts to the extensive array of commentaries that elucidate their works, shedding light on the educational and scholarly practices of the time.

The series not only catalogs these translations and commentaries but also offers insightful analyses of the socio-cultural and intellectual contexts in which they were produced. By examining the motivations and methodologies of translators and commentators, the “Catalogus” reveals the dynamic processes through which classical texts were adapted to meet the evolving needs of medieval and Renaissance audiences. This includes understanding the educational curricula of schools and universities, where such translations and commentaries often served as foundational texts.

The ongoing publication of the “Catalogus” reflects its commitment to advancing scholarship in the field of classical reception studies. For instance, Volume XIII, edited by Greti Dinkova-Bruun and published in 2020, features in-depth articles on the ancient Greek sophists and the Roman poet Publius Papinius Statius. These contributions exemplify the series’ dedication to exploring both well-known and lesser-studied figures, thereby enriching our understanding of the classical tradition’s multifaceted legacy.