Culture and Religion in Merovingian Gaul, A.D. 481-751 by Yitzhak Hen
John Kitchen
758book reviews Culture and Religion in Merovingian Gaul, A.D. 481-751. By Yitzhak Hen. [Cultures, BeUefs Traditions: Medieval Early Modern Peoples,Volume 1.] (Leiden: E. J. Brill. 1995. Pp. xiv, 308. $80.00.) Dr. Hen utilizes an impressive array of sources modern studies to reconstruct the cultural religious life Gaul.The aim is a comprehensive picture ofthe interacting reUgious forces that characterized society once—perhaps some circles still—regarded as outstanding representative "dark age" decline. Archaeological anthropological findings supplement reconstruction, but bulk evidence comes from writings churchmen, so cannot be complete.Yet there stiU possibUity synthetic treatment giving coherence pieces remains. Such undertaking English has been long awaited, with few previous works similar breadth usuaUy coming continental Europe . perceptively discusses language literacy before focusing on Catholic liturgy (chapters 2-5) expression social interaction. After mentioning relevant liturgical monastic centers responsible for their production, he arranges his worship under three subdivisions corresponding main kturgical cycles : temporal, commemorating Christ's life; sanctoral, honoring holy dead; personal, celebrating events individual's lifetime. The pertaining reflect people's committed participation Church's Life. closely examined Uturgical texts reconstructed sanctoral calendars also show, respectively, "certain detachment" f. 60) Roman influences much local flavor veneration saints. Chapter 6 considers paganism's survival kingdoms.The old belief system, argues, was at best marginal religion nearly dead by sixth century. Sources pagan practice are regarded having no "basis reahty" (p. 177). This reader feels here not aUowed speak; it seems forced fit narrow outlook. book ends overview secular entertainments.As alternatives vanishing pastimes eras (like gladiatorial shows), athletic played vigorous ball sports while sedentary enjoyed board game resembling backgammon. For males socially defining leisure activity heavy drinking deep sympathy era maligned since Carolingians. He redresses damnatio memoriae overshadowing period's achievements. Indeed , compeUingly shows how developments provided precedents Carolingians (though latter suppressed knowledge influence claiming innovators rather than borrowers). But coherent never emerges.The separate sketches culture remain parts related whole. Colorful portions missing.With Arianism Judaism hardly discussed paganism dismissed barely reviews759 place within society, Latin Christianity sole beUef system extensively treated (the title's inclusive "religion" misleads). Even this exclusive focus overlooks varieties ofreligious expressions Church. scholar who chaUenges many prevalent views, accepts too readUy opinion scarcity living people marked era. Hermits, widows, practitioners ofsecreta conversio, pauperes church's matricula, other lay cluttered landscape Gaul represented. itsetf generically presented.WhUe specific entertainments admirably discussed, individual groups overlooked Their absence noticeable. aU, say more about poor they do Certainly any investigation into past wUl hindered nature evidence. richer what Hen's study shows. John Kitchen Toronto, Ontario Late France: History Hagiography, 640-720. Paul Fouracre Richard A. Gerberding. [Manchester Series .] (Manchester: Manchester University Press. Distributed St. Martin's Press, Scholarly Reference Division, NewYork. 1996. xi, 397. $69-95 clothbound; $24.95 paperback.) splendid volume provides important addition general translated which have appeared over last decade such Anglophone scholars...
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