Things Not Easily Believed: Introducing the Early Modern Relation

Abstract

there took place at Victoria College in the University of Toronto a scholarly workshop dedicated to the subject of the relazione or relation as a literary genre in early modern Europe. Among the several papers presented" W ere we to begin this introductory essay in the manner of an early modern relation, we would start not by stating facts about the things that happened, as above, but by speaking directly to our readers. First there would be the obligatory captatio benevolentiae, about our humble pens and faltering minds, and then in a bid for credit we would remind you that despite all this humility we, the editors, are seasoned scholars who indeed heard the discussions in question. We would parade titles and academic positions, lending the prestige of office to our own narrative. Only then would we launch into a description in which our own observant eyes and ears witnessed to the reader that what we were describing really occurred.