Memory and Commemoration in Medieval Culture ed. by Elma Brenner, Meredith Cohen, Mary Franklin-Brown
Rosalie Vermette
step toward social mobility, but knows all too well that in the current state of affairs, even those who try to “bouger,” or shake things up, face great difficulties. In order move towards equality, a first would require the“mobilités de ceux qui ont le courage bouger soient fructueuses et fassent école dans les cités”(54). Begag’s solution for equality therefore requires society-wide effort: dominant group must willingly open its doors daughters and sons immigrants, latter have be politically active reshaping nation. The length book, accessible language, in-text references make it an excellent supplementary text intermediary advanced French language courses. By exposing number factors contribute political lethargy immigrant communities, collection essays ideal companion civilization courses, matter, introductory courses science, sociology, international law any course where subaltern issues constitute major component class discussion. University Missouri Virginie Ems-Bléneau Brenner, Elma, Meredith Cohen, Mary Franklin-Brown, eds. Memory Commemoration Medieval Culture. Burlington,VT: Ashgate, 2013. ISBN 978-14094 -2393-5. Pp. xvii + 354. $124.95. sixteen this collection, organized five thematic sections, explore many roles memory commemoration determining religious practices Middle Ages, France particular other parts Europe. Most chapters were originally presented as papers at symposium International Society held Paris 2007 around topic “Memory.” authors represent diversity disciplines from medieval art history Old literature architecture Ages. topics examined harken back Carolingian period with establishment royal monasteries, through central Ages conclude nineteenth twentieth-century memories France. This exploration memory, which complements growing scholarly interest subject over past fifty years, attributes position remembrance society culture. It also examines inspirational sometimes exploitative interplay present—where is located—and past—where events personages being remembered commemorated are situated. act remembering considered cognitive process, way knowing (memory), celebration, memorialization person event (commemoration). shown important historic, social, spiritual benefit contemporary future generations. studies work realm high culture, encompassing aspects daily life such motivation patronage behind commemorative chapels attached cathedrals, vernacular court poetry, compilations donors 244 FRENCH REVIEW 88.1 Reviews 245 institutions. For example, Kate Maxwell’s “Quant j’eus tout recordé par ordre” focuses on Guillaume Machaut’s poems role their creation.“Changes Aristocratic Identity,” by Elisabeth van Houts, provides refreshingly new look women times keepers family ancestral lore. Of students modern culture,the last section offers three much more recent demonstrate imagination play functioning historical memory. To paraphrase question raised Elizabeth Emery “Pierre Loti’s ‘Memories’ Ages,” how can someone without first-hand remember enough recreate bring authentic truthful manner? Or, stated differently, close original iteration imagined times? Aimed richly documented well-illustrated volume provocative perspectives subjective past. earlier created then transmitted down the...
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