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A TRIBUTE TO ST LAWRENCE OF BRINDISI 307 (Explanation of the Genesis) is a major exegetical work ofhis day, the Lutheranismi Hypotyposis (Hypotyposis of Lutheranism) is illuminative on the unfolding of the Counterreformation on the doctrinal level. Be that as it may, this collection ofhomi– lies and sermons does have its own intrinsic worth as it mirrors the mindset of both the preacher and the audience in the Catholic Europe between the close of the 16' h century and the first decades of the 17'h century. "... the sermons are very logically developed, quite innovative at times, and, above all, exhibit a knowledge ofScripture that can only be described as phenomenal"7. It needs to be underscored that it is the first time that these works ofLawrence ofBrindisi get translated into English. This hardbound and underpriced edition does prove to be quite handy unlike its Latin original. One cannot but appreciate the translator's decision to exclude the bulk of the critical apparatus that are in the Latin edition as the principal scope of the present version in English is not to replace the former but to "make the Apostolic Doctor and his writings known to the English world". The original Latin edition continues to be the point ofreference for those interested in researching further into Lawrence's thoughts. It does not take long for the reader to realise that the translator Vernon Wagner has been true to his words: "I have tried to be faithful to Lawrence's words, trying to make his message readable for us today, without being slavish" 8 • In the brief Foreword Fr Vernon gives plain and straightforward explanations of some particular aspects ofLawrence's sermons. For example, a simple but a matter-of-fact clarification is offered for the repetitions that appear in the collection. "It is quite dif– ficult, e.g., to compose eleven sermons on the Immaculate Conception and sixteen on the Annunciation without recurring themes and quotations" 9 • It is indeed in a magisterial manner that the translator renders lengthy and composite sentences into plain readable English as the following Latin citation from the Apostolic Doctor's first sermon in his Mariale goes to show: Singulari studio Ioannes qui supra pectus Domini in coena recubuit, et Mariae op– timam partem elegerat quae non auferetur ab eo, intentus fuit semper, post Christi Domini ascensionem in coelum, divinis contemplationibus, sed tempore tribulationis multo impensius divinis rebus operam dabat; hie enim sanctorum mos fuit 10 • Boldly steering clear of the "slavish" way of translating literatim, Wagner makes this sentence ofLawrence ofBrindisi easily intelligible to the modern English user: 7 V. Wagner, Foreword, in Lawrence ofBrindisi, Opera omnia, Bk I, 9-10. 8 V. Wagner, Foreword, in Lawrence ofBrindisi, Opera omnia, Bk I, 10. 9 V. Wagner, Foreword, in Lawrence ofBrindisi, Opera omnia, Bk I, 9. 10 Laurentius a Brundisio, Opera omnia, I, 5.