<i>Histoire littéraire du mouvement monastique dans l'antiquité</i>, Première partie: <i>Le monachisme latin</i>, Tome XI: <i>La Gaule franque et l'Espagne wisigothique (VI<sup>e</sup>-VII<sup>e</sup> siècle)</i> (review)
Philip Rousseau
Reviewed by: Histoire littéraire du mouvement monastique dans l'antiquité, Première partie: Le monachisme latin, Tome XI: La Gaule franque et l'Espagne wisigothique (VIe-VIIe siècle) Philip Rousseau (VIe–VIIe siècle). By Adalbert de Vogüé, O.S.B. [Patrimoines christianisme.] (Paris: Éditions Cerf. 2007. Pp. 317. €39 paperback. ISBN 978-2-20408-257-0.) This is the eleventh volume of Vogüé's monumental history le Latin (the twelfth has also now appeared). Its completion marked as well his sixtieth anniversary (in 2004) a Benedictine monk. It an histoire only in special sense textual analysis and rather less study Rules Lives literary forms. means that there more narrative précis than historical reflection; but one values, course, authoritative judgment about interweavings dependencies, author consistently identifies, relation to much regulae, both pathways mechanics transmission. De Vogüé become our time so towering figure historiography late antique early medieval monasticism we can forget genius for clear summary, essays precise sympathetic, informed always by what might term lateral wisdom. covers period between great pioneers (Pachomius, Cassian, Benedict) Carolingian age. focuses, other words, on especially Irish confluence their culture with Gallic Italian traditions. The regulae particular were instruments mediated earliest patterns organization men living [End Page 540] different circumstances. striking how loyally these "middle-phase" rule-writers remembered own forebears. So Regula Donati bears witness way Caesarius had begun inject specifically feminine elements into broader heritage Columbanus, interest confession, regularized fully notion obedience. Similar shifts be observed Jonas Bobbio's Life John Réomé. Of two major components book, first concerns precisely Bobbio Columbanus (chapters 3–5). surely right suggesting Jonas's portrait himself was important, terms littéraire, account followed Columbanus's death. He regards triumph at least coterminous with, if not explanation of, "decline" Lérins tradition—that is, tradition conceived himself: still problematic interpretation. convincing suggest are witnessing here Jonas) challenge influence Gregory Great legacy Carolingians would ardently revive. That makes all apposite second section, Spanish, beginning Leander Seville (well known, Gregory). probably have been useful note clearly operating circumstances definitive adhesion Visigoths Catholic orthodoxy close volatile relations Franks. When come Leander's brother, Isidore, see firm allegiance Augustine (and contemporaries) Benedict; Isidore betrays Spain yet ready detailed discipline sixth century. skillful appropriate reference call Isidore's monastic temper, evident even Sententiae; he provides very full monachorum. concluding emphasis therefore, invaluable, since Spain, else, neglected bridge antiquity high Middle Ages. treatment centered, surprisingly, Fructuosus Braga; excellent reflections chapter 8, "Le Monachisme espagnol à l...
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