Thomas Hoby
Thomas Hoby was an English scholar and translator born in 1530 in Leominster, England. He attended Cambridge University from 1545 and is believed to have studied at other prestigious institutions, including Oxford and Strasbourg. After completing his education, Hoby traveled across Europe, visiting places like France and Italy, which likely influenced his later work. He gained recognition for translating Martin Bucer's "Gratulation to the Church of England" in 1549 and, notably, Baldassare Castiglione's "The Courtyer," completed in 1561. This translation, which spanned four volumes, became highly influential, impacting contemporaneous writers, including William Shakespeare, and resonating with the upper classes of England. In addition to his translation endeavors, Hoby was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I in 1566 and briefly served as an ambassador to France before his untimely death. While he is said to have written an autobiography, it does not hold the same significance as his translation efforts.
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Thomas Hoby
Diplomat
- Born: 1530
- Birthplace: Leominster, England
- Died: July 13, 1566
- Place of death: Paris, France
Biography
Thomas Hoby was born in Leominster, England in 1530. He was accepted to Cambridge University in 1545, where he studied. It is rumored that he also spent time studying at other universities such as Oxford and Strasbourg. After completing his education, Hoby spent a few years traveling around Europe, visiting countries such as France and Italy. When he returned, Hoby undertook the task of translating Martin Bucer’s Gratulation to the Church of England into English, which was completed and published in 1549.
Eleven years later, Hoby married Elizabeth Cooke, with whom he would have four children, two daughters and two sons, the last of whom would be born after Hoby’s death. In 1561, Hoby completed the English translation of Baldassare Castiglione’s work The Courtyer of Count Baldassare Castiglione. Hoby was said to have started the translation in 1532. The final translation filled four volumes and became extremely influential to writers of the time, including William Shakespeare. The translated work was also influential to the upper classes of England at the time, and Hoby was highly praised for his work.
In 1566, Hoby was knighted by Queen Elizabeth I, and sent to France as an ambassador. His position in France was extremely short-lived, as Hoby died shortly after he came to France. It is said that Hoby also wrote an autobiography, yet it is nowhere as important or influential as his translation work.