The Celtic Monk: Rules and Writings of Early Irish Monks by Uinseann Ó Maidín, O.C.R.
John J. Silke
322BOOK REVIEWS The work on penitentials by Kottje's 'school' has been characterized over the years (1) an indefatigable search for new manuscripts containing ; (2) a careful and perceptive comparison ofpenitentials their canons, laborious task given simUarities; (3) unusual care in presentation of texts; (4) detaUed studies contexts which different appeared, character tendencies, use to they were put. AU these qualities are found Körnigen's superbly researched volume, placing it firmly now distinguished tradition penitential originating at Augsburg Bonn with Professor Kottje. Roger E. Reynolds Pontifical Institute ofMediaeval Studies, Toronto Celtic Monk: Rules Writings Early Irish Monks. By Uinseann Ó Maidín, O.C.R. [Cistercian Studies Series, Number 162.] (Kalamazoo, Michigan , Spencer, Massachusetts: Cistercian Publications. 1996. Pp. 216. $35.95 hardcover; $17.95 paperback.) This attractive Uttle volume gives us translation number early monastic rules, together "a random coUection poems, Utanies, Latin hymns" (the latter not translated). editor's hope is that result will be make doctrinal (sic; 'edifying'?) content documents "more widely known, understood used." world thus presented very much male one (hagiography other archival material might have exploited 'explain' female cénobites, Brigit or Samthann); book rather perpetuates outmoded idea church was (purely) . Monasticism (Uthe word allowed) type lasted Ireland from sixth century twelfth, religious had avaUable variety ofworks— liturgical, biblical, legal, hagiographical, so on—to encourage devotion scholarship. present collection would perhaps claim representative But writings culdee reform movement eighth ninth centuries, up bulk misceUany, left profound mark spirituality, literature, art. Included also earlier—such as Apgitir Crabaid, most probably editor hesitant about this) Comían EIa (d. 611)—and later compositions. translations draw sound scholarship (if proper attribution always made) carefully annotated. Illustrations sites crosses embellish work, e.g., striking Moone cross, biblical sermons stone associated movement. We reminded Ireland's major rôle evangelization barbarian (including Anglo-Saxon) Europe centuries after 600 debt repaid Carolingians, areas diverse inspiration figure sculpture, learning poetry, kingship. BOOK REVIEWS323 Riagol meant both 'rule' 'tract,' includes interesting twelfth-century treatise Eucharist. 'rules' reaUy primers ofmonastic piety. They do, course, presume organized communities (with allowance hermits), throw great light spUituality Rule Columbanus, only surviving rule origin Latin, included, cáin (e.g., ofAdomnán). cana ordinances interest monasteries, did seek raise moral tone society, but imposed when abbot went circuit, generating taxes. So c«w=law=tax. life founder treasured read monasteries his her federation, excerpt two vitae warranted inclusion. Monk could weU serve reader introductory course medieval Ireland. There too many errata, next edition submit text scrutiny competent historian. John J. Silke Portnablagh, County Donegal Deeds God through Franks. A Translation Guibert ofNogenfs "Gesta Dei per Francos." Translated edited Robert Levine. (Rochester, NewYork: BoydeU Press. 1997. v, 166. $63.00.) Abbot Nogent's Gesta Francos account, First Crusade its...
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