Ordines Coronationis Franciae. Texts and Ordines for the Coronation of Frankish and French Kings and Queens in the Middle Ages, Volume I., ed. by Richard A. Jackson
Michael J. Enright
BOOK REVIEWS 517 a now-modest-seeming sum of£.8,000), theJarrow Lectures have for many years deserved their reputation as one of the most prestigious forums presentation research on Bede. The collection,which makes this significant body scholarship widely available first time, belongs in every library which early Middle Ages are seriously represented. Publishing these crammed and costly volumes was worthy venture, several senses. To adapt slightly comments ofJ. O. Cobham, who introduced Colgrave's inaugural lecture, "It is hoped that those read [these lectures] will send cheque to Rector, St. Paul's Rectory, Borough Road,Jarrow, Co. Durham" Q, 2), well bookseller . Allen J. Frantzen Loyola University Chicago Ordines Coronationis Franciae. Texts Coronation Frankish French Kings Queens Ages, Volume I. Edited by Richard A.Jackson. [Middle Series.] (Philadelphia: Pennsylvania Press. 1995. Pp. xiv, 283. $49.95.) A number ofmodern scholars studied or produced editions royal imperial coronation ordines Ages; Georg Waitz, Carl Erdmann, Percy Ernst Schramm, Michel Andrieu,Reinhard Elze few ofthe names come mind. A.Jackson,the author ofa good book later ceremony, now joins select group with his edition all texts orders from Sacramentary Gellone (790-800) down Ordo 1200, some nineteen all. This constitutes volume projected two-volume work contains, among other topics, general introduction rituals, discussion oftheir manuscript sources, an analysis historical development ceremony statement principles governing texts. Like scholars, perhaps, present reviewer initially dubious need new edition, especially Early since I had long trusted MGH published noted above. In introduction, related studies recently Viator,Jackson convincingly argues otherwise. Not only has he made real contribution four attributed Hincmar Reims liturgical political background, but complete series dependable future students kingship, liturgy, church-state relations. It welcome between two covers. Jackson's individual commentaries each order clearly written fully footnoted; variant readings after paragraph smaller type rather than separate apparatus criticus idea, layout materials visually pleasing. throughout reliable impressive. 518 venture disagree interpretation, however, although because brief space allotted, explanation be summary form. view, origin anointing rite Franks—a critically important ritual it decisive step Christianization Germanic kingship —might developed through eitherVisigothic Irish influence else been Franks themselves drawing Old Testament baptismal ritual. my evidence much stronger allows, while arguments possible sources fail reasons. take latter hypotheses first: unction might theoretically examples rite, there absolutely no they ever actually considered applying such ideas contemporary kingship. simply did not think terms whereas copious (that discussed Raymund Kottje Kim McCone, example) shows very definitely did, so frequently programmatically. Moreover, Carolingians sought legitimation techniques occasions seventh eighth centuries right up Pippin's own best could do cappa of...
Catholic Historical Review