Dir la propria. La prefazione nelle opere dei cronisti moldavi

Abstract

The essay analyzes the introductions to the Moldavian historical works of the XVI-XVIII centuries. The anonymous Slavonic-language chroniclers of the earlier period say nothing about themselves and the purposes of their creation but enter directly into the heart of the narrative. Instead, Macarie, the first author who signs his work, finds it appropriate to open it with an embryonic preface, in which he talks about himself and the patron, discusses the Moldavian annalistic tradition, clarifies his personal writing experiences and stylistic criteria. Along his lines, the disciples Eftimie and Azarie specify the chronological framework of their exhibitions, glorify the commissioning voivodes and recall the activity of their venerable master. Grigore Ureche, the first historian to use his mother tongue, prefaces his work with brief remarks in which he discusses a theme congenial to him, the educational value of history. In the introduction to De neamul moldovenilor, Miron Costin argues for the need to pierce the darkness around the origins of the Romanian people and expresses himself not only on the uplifting value of literary writing, but also on the aesthetic one. In the joint introduction to his chronicle and collection of legends O samă de cuvinte, Ion Neculce dwells on the late development of the Moldavian historiographical tradition and underlines the edifying value of his commitment. The introductions of the Moldavian historiographers are distinguished by a common trait, a style that is simple and close to the mindset of readers, devoid of the large historical, mythological and literary references that swarm in the writings of fellow Wallachians of those centuries.