&lt;i&gt;Women and Aristocratic Culture in the Carolingian World&lt;/i&gt; (review)
Constance B. Bouchard
Reviewed by: Women and Aristocratic Culture in the Carolingian World Constance B. Bouchard World. By Valerie L. Garver. (Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press. 2009. Pp. xxi, 310. $49.95. ISBN 978-0-801-44771-6.) elite women have received much scholarly attention last generation, ever since publication of Suzanne Fonay Wemple’s Frankish Society (Philadelphia, 1981). Here Garver expands builds on earlier work, with purpose demonstrating that aristocratic eighth ninth centuries, far from being relegated merely to domestic sphere (although they certainly played a key role there), helped shape disseminate culture. begins by quoting Jonas Orléans, who said men desire for their “family, prudence, wealth, beauty” (p. 1). These four female characteristics, derived Isidore Seville ultimately Roman ideals womanhood, become outline present book, as first chapters address each turn. A fifth chapter addresses textile which, although not directly referenced or Isidore, was still taken granted appropriate and, argues, brings together aspects women’s supposed characteristics. This more sophisticated (unsurprisingly) than early path-breaking study, takes its strength wide-ranging selection sources, including poetry, hagiography, visual images well commonly used law codes, capitularies, charters, chronicles. Throughout, seeks combine an analysis how clerical intellectuals thought ought ideally behave, seen “mirrors” laypeople prescriptive ordinances, discussion what lives might actually been like. Thirty years ago it could assumed scholarship medieval barely existed. More recent scholars routinely characterized these marginalized, subservient, unlearned, forced into convents misogynistic church given little play even own families. In decade, however, recognized women, invisible, were often educated exercised power authority. Garver’s book should settle question definitively Carolingian-era settled twelfth-century Medieval France, ed. Theodore Evergates 1999). Some material covered here is already known. Dhuoda comes her “Handbook William,” she has many previous scholars. But overall, manages provide new insights period about once thought, we knew everything important. For example, beauty 1 includes aesthetics iconoclast controversy. [End Page 348] notes religiosity need preclude physical beauty; virtuous virtue reflected appearance. Although memorial books long source ways which families remembered kin, analyze implications nunneries place where third surviving composed. The textiles most original. Elite did spin weave cloth daily use, supervised such production; also created opulent fabrics, both high secular liturgical occasions. Elaborate embroidered cloth, some survives, indicates great technical skill made it. all, this fine, clearly written book. only major quibble change perceived status century ninth, evoked at beginning 9), never really conveyed. Akron Copyright © 2011 Catholic America Press
Catholic Historical Review