This article studies the first German translation of the “Six Books on the Republic” by the French lawyer and philosopher Jean Boden, published in 1592. Particular attention is paid to the preface to the treatise, which was written by the translator, a Lutheran priest Johann Oswaldt. There, Oswaldt sets out his position on the “Republic” as well as points out the need for this translation and the relevance of Boden’s treatise for monarchs and rulers. Oswaldt’s foreword is remarkable, firstly, for the terminological synthesis that he carries out. Relying on Boden’s both French and Latin manuscripts of “The Republic”, he carefully selects appropriate German terms to convey their connotations. Second, the German translation of “The Republic” opens the possibility of following the reception of Jean Boden’s ideas in Germany.
The authors of this article come to the conclusion that Oswaldt had a practical purpose when he translated the main political work that substantiated the theory of sovereignty. The dedication of the translation to the Duke of Württemberg and the Count of Mümpelgard politicizes his scholarly effort. In fact, following Boden himself, Oswaldt aims to make “The Republic” read and utilized by his patrons. In the long term, the implementation of the ideas outlined in “The Republic” will lead to the foundation of the sovereignty of Württemberg.
At the same time, the study of the first German translation has further research implications, since it outlines the area of distribution of Boden’s treatise on the European continent. The German translation followed the Italian and Spanish editions, but appeared earlier than the English translation. Hence, this article might pave the way for studying the reception of the theory of sovereignty in the works of German authors in Russian historiography.
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