Niklas von Wyle
Niklas von Wyle was a notable Swiss translator and educator, recognized for bringing Italian literature to a German-speaking audience through his precise translations of Latin texts. Born between 1410 and 1415 in Bremgarten, Switzerland, he studied at the University of Vienna before embarking on a career in various administrative roles, including notary and town clerk in Zurich and Radolfzell. His time in Esslingen was particularly impactful, as he operated a school for young adults and developed connections with aristocrats and scholars, which helped him nurture his humanistic aspirations.
Wyle's translation philosophy emphasized a word-for-word approach, prioritizing the sense of the text over its stylistic nuances, setting him apart from other contemporaries like Heinrich Steinhöwel and Albrecht von Eyb. His influential work, “Translatzen” (1478), served as a crucial resource for chancery students, showcasing humanistic literature and including pieces by prominent figures such as Enea Silvio Piccolomini, later Pope Pius II. Wyle's legacy as a translator extended beyond his time, significantly influencing later translators and the development of narrative prose in Germany, particularly through his popular translation of "Euryalus und Lucretia" in 1462.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Niklas von Wyle
Writer
- Born: c. 1410
- Birthplace: Bremgarten, Aargau, Switzerland
- Died: c. 1478
- Place of death: Stuttgart, Germany
Biography
Niklas von Wyle is best known for his introduction of Italian writing to a German audience. In particular, he is remembered for his meticulous translations of Latin texts into the German language. Because he believed in a word-for-word translation, he distinguished himself from his counterparts Heinrich Steinhöwel and Albrecht von Eyb. Wyle saw the translator’s primary task as rendering the sense, rather than the style, of a passage.
Niklas von Wyle was born in Bremgarten, Aargau, Switzerland, sometime between 1410 and 1415. He was a student at the University of Vienna between 1430 and 1433, after which he served as a notary in Zurich, Switzerland. He later became a town clerk at Radolfzell, Germany, on Lake Constance. In 1447, he served as a clerk to the city council of Nuremberg for a short time, where he made the acquaintance of humanist and jurist Gregor Heimburg. Soon after, Wyle moved to Esslingen, where he ran a school that trained chancery clerks. As well, he taught young adults stylish expression in both speech and writing.
Wyle became acquainted with aristocrats and scholars, and he began to realize his intellectual ambitions. His years in Esslingen proved fruitful because they brought him into contact with people who were receptive to humanistic endeavors. Because of his responsibilities conducting Esslingen’s official legal and diplomatic correspondence, Wyle was frequently required to travel. These travels enabled him to meet German royalty, and he eventually found three influential patrons. He represented these patrons in a number of affairs, and he was accused of ignoring the interests of Esslingen in favor of his royal contacts. Wyle used his influential contacts to attain a new post as deputy to Count Ulrich of Württemburg’s chancellor. Wyle remained in this post for much of his later life.
Among his many literary acquaintances were Enea Silvio Piccolomini (Pope Pius II, 1458- 1464) and the Countess of Palatine. Wyle is best remembered for his collection Translatzen (1478). This work was intended to provide examples of humanistic texts to chancery students, and it included works by Piccolomini.
Wyle was at the forefront in the translation of humanist authors, and his work was emulated by other translators. His translation of Euryalus und Lucretia (1462) was one of the most widely read narrative prose pieces in Germany for several decades. Wyle influenced not only chancery scribes but other later translators as well.