<i>Remi de Reims: Mémoire d'un saint, histoire d'une Église</i> (review)
Damien Kempf
Reviewed by: Remi de Reims: Mémoire d'un saint, histoire d'une Église Damien Kempf Église. By Marie-Céline Isaïa. [Histoire religieuse la France, 35.] (Paris: Les Éditions du Cerf.2010. Pp. 919. €67,00 paperback. ISBN 978-2-204-08745-2.) This book originated as a French doctoral thesis submitted in 2004. Like most theses turned into books, it is weighty tome. In more than 900 dense, although elegantly written, pages, Isaïa documents the history of St. Reims and his construction holy figure from lifetime up to reign Capetian King Philip I (1060-1108), thereby covering seven centuries three dynasties (the Merovingian, Carolingian, Capetian) Francia. Rather presenting an overarching argument, simply follows chronological structure. Chapter 1 retraces life Remi, emphasizing senatorial Gallo-Roman nobility which he was born long-time partnership with Clovis, resulted baptism Merovingian king late-fifth century or early-sixth (Isaïa proposes 507 508, instead earlier date put forward by other historians), watershed event that served shape cult relation Frankish kings following centuries. 2 focuses on period composition first (extant) saint middle eighth century. sheds interesting light competition between different political lineages, Neustrian well Austrasian, appropriation cult, time when Charles Martel definitively associated Pippinid family second quarter The subsquent chapter devoted primarily Hincmar's tenure archbishop (845-82) promotion Remi. national vocation whose led Hincmar proclaim him "apostle Franks," signals important shift Remi's constitution royal patron protector monarchy, process that, various developments discussed 4, comes full fruition only Capetians—in particular, I. broad scope study, combined its minute examination extant documentation, forcefully establishes slow formation constant interplay local interests pretensions contributed project premier France. However, reader can regret Isaïa's somewhat parochial approach exclusive focus Reims, prevents her exploring broader religious contexts would have, for instance, allowed situate development comparison competing figures Ss. Martin Denis. respect, fuller treatment might have proven valuable, since spent part career at abbey Denis, [End Page 762] monastic community busy promoting role Denis patron, before appointment Reims. Similarly, establishment monarchy could been compared contemporary efforts abbeys St-Denis Fleury attract attention composing genealogies histories dynasty. Such reservations should not deter anyone interested hagiography welcome this contribution field. wake previous works Felice Lifshitz Thomas Head, study illustrates fact saints always lies intersection religion politics; individual faith personal ambitions; affairs aspirations. University Liverpool Copyright © 2011 Catholic America Press
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