Henry Carey, 2nd Earl of Monmouth, English politician (d. 1661)

Henry Carey, 2nd Earl of Monmouth, Knight of the Bath (KB), born on 15 January 1596 and passing on 13 June 1661, was a distinguished English nobleman and, more notably, a prolific and influential translator. His life spanned a pivotal era in English history, from the late Elizabethan period through the tumultuous English Civil War and into the early years of the Restoration.

A Noble Lineage and Early Life

Born into a prominent aristocratic family, Henry Carey was the son of Robert Carey, 1st Earl of Monmouth, a figure famed for swiftly delivering the news of Queen Elizabeth I's death to James VI of Scotland. This lineage positioned Henry at the heart of English court life. He received a comprehensive gentleman's education, including studies at Exeter College, Oxford. A crucial aspect of his intellectual development was undertaking the Grand Tour, particularly extensive travels in Italy. This experience proved instrumental in cultivating the profound linguistic skills that would define his future literary career.

He was knighted as a Knight of the Bath (KB) on 4 November 1616, an honour often bestowed during significant royal events, in this instance, the creation of Charles as Prince of Wales. He succeeded his father as the 2nd Earl of Monmouth in 1639, inheriting the earldom and its associated responsibilities.

The Prolific Translator: Bridging Cultures and Knowledge

Despite his status as a peer of the realm, Henry Carey devoted a significant portion of his life to the demanding and intellectually rigorous pursuit of translation. His work was instrumental in making a wide array of European texts, primarily from Italian and French, accessible to an English-speaking audience during a period of burgeoning literary and intellectual exchange. His translations were often of considerable length and complexity, demanding not only linguistic precision but also a deep understanding of historical, philosophical, and literary contexts.

• Paolo Sarpi's *Historia del Concilio Tridentino* (translated as *The History of the Council of Trent*, 1620): This monumental work was a highly influential and controversial historical account, offering a critical Protestant perspective on the pivotal Council of Trent. Carey's translation was the first complete English version, making this essential historical document widely accessible and profoundly shaping English perceptions of Catholic reforms.
• Giovanni Francesco Biondi's Romances (*Eromena*, 1632; *Donzella Desterrada*, 1635; and *Corisandra*, 1656): These popular Italian romantic narratives provided entertainment and literary models, contributing to the development of English prose fiction.
• Giraldi Cinthio's *Hecatommithi* (parts translated as *The Lovers' Labyrinth*, 1636): While not a complete translation of Cinthio's influential collection of novellas (a source for Shakespeare's *Othello*), Carey's work introduced key narratives, showcasing his interest in contemporary European prose fiction.
• Giulio Cesare Vanini's *Amphitheatrum Aeternae Providentiae* (1661): A translation of a philosophical work, further demonstrating the breadth of his intellectual interests.
• Memoirs of Emmanuel, Duke of Savoy (1657): This translation highlighted his engagement with contemporary European political and historical narratives.

Carey's dedication to these demanding literary tasks was notable for a nobleman of his standing, significantly enriching the English literary and intellectual landscape by expanding the range of available foreign works.

Life in Turbulent Times and Enduring Legacy

Beyond his literary pursuits, Carey also participated in the political life of his era, serving as a Member of Parliament for Grampound (1621) and Tregony (1624) before inheriting his earldom. He was a Royalist during the tumultuous English Civil War, a stance that led to considerable financial hardship and the sequestration of his estates, although he managed to avoid imprisonment or exile. He died on 13 June 1661, shortly after the Restoration of the Monarchy.

Henry Carey's most significant and enduring legacy lies unequivocally in his extensive and meticulous translation work. By meticulously bridging linguistic and cultural divides, he not only broadened the intellectual horizons of his contemporaries but also left an indelible mark on English literature, making complex foreign texts accessible and contributing significantly to the development of English prose style during a period of immense change.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henry Carey, 2nd Earl of Monmouth

Who was Henry Carey, 2nd Earl of Monmouth?

Henry Carey (1596-1661) was an English nobleman, a Knight of the Bath, and primarily known for his extensive and influential translations of Italian and French literary and historical works.

What does "KB" stand for next to his name?

"KB" signifies that he was a Knight of the Bath, an honour bestowed upon him on 4 November 1616.

What were Henry Carey's most notable translations?

Among his most significant translations were Paolo Sarpi's *The History of the Council of Trent*, various romances by Giovanni Francesco Biondi, and parts of Giraldi Cinthio's *Hecatommithi*. These works were crucial in introducing important European prose to English readers.

Why were his translations important?

His translations were vital because they made complex and significant European historical, philosophical, and literary texts accessible to an English-speaking audience, thereby enriching English literature and contributing to the intellectual exchange of the 17th century.

What was Henry Carey's role during the English Civil War?

Henry Carey was a Royalist during the English Civil War, which led to the sequestration of his estates and financial difficulties, though he avoided more severe penalties like imprisonment.