Cloud of Unknowing

Up until July 19th, I had a good run of blogs, but something happened then that put me into highest non-blog gear. I received a contract from Shambhala Publications to translate The Cloud of Unknowing and The Book of Privy Counsel, two classic medieval texts on contemplative prayer, by the ubiquitous Anonymous. Since then, I have had my head in the . . . yes . . . wait for it . . . clouds. I’ve been translating the beautiful Middle English of the Cloud. It’s almost a shame to translate it. I think sometimes I should offer classes in Middle English instead, so everyone can read it in the original. Anonymous was a master rhetorician, and also his content is beyond profound. It’s one of the most gorgeous texts I’ve ever had the honor and joy of working with. Catie Eisel, that preposition at the end of that sentence is for you. Actually, it’s for anyone who loves their grammar real and communicative, as opposed to prescriptive and Lowth-full.