I have made a webpage that compares the original Middle English text of The Cloud of Unknowing with a Modern English translation. There are also some sections with extensive notes. Here are some pointers on how to read, use, and navigate this webpage. If you don’t want to read these instructions, you can go straight there.
N.B. This is a work in progress. I don't undertake to ensure that everything is accurate. Contact me with errata.
Here is an example layout of the The Cloud of Unknowing translations webpage:
The page is in three main columns, which scroll independently.
NB. This layout changes depending up the size of screen being used.
The text is split into numbered chapters and paragraphs. These numbers are clickable links that will take you to the relevant chapter and paragraph and keep the two texts in the left- and right-hand columns in step.
Other links throughout the text take you to relevant passages in the middle column, which contains annotations from a range of authors, including AI and me.
The modern translation was published by Evelyn Underhill in 1922. I am slowly working an a translation that sticks roughly to hers. It amends errors and updates the language while trying to remain faithful to the intent and world of the (unknown) author. My translation loads by default. You can switch between my translation and hers by tapping the [j] or [m] and [e] or [u] keys respectively. The [s] key swaps between translations.
The colours of the webpage adjust to day and night according to the settings on your computer. You can choose a daytime theme by typing [d], a nighttime theme with [n], and a plain, high contrast theme with [p].
You can hide or show the links in the translation with the [h] key.
You can return to this page by typing [i].
There is a reminder of these shortcut keys at the top of the centre column.
Here is a complete list of the shortcut keys:
I should be grateful for any have comments, questions, or corrections. Please use the contact form for this.
And now… enter The Cloud.