<i>State-Building in Medieval France. Studies in Early Angevin History</i> (review)
Anne Gilmour-Bryson
Short Notices Bachrach, Bernard S., State-Building in Medieval France. Studies Ea Angevin History (Variorum CoUected Series 486), Aldershot, Variorum, 1995; cloth; pp. x, 324; R.R.P. £49.50. This narrowly focused coUection of articles investigates the rise to power stirpes Tortulfi rank counts Anjou. Each contributions is closely based on primary sources. They were originaUy pubUshed between 1976 and 1990. Article I examines origins dynasty both from accounts found sources comparative historiography. The discussion relative merits claims Gelgerius, TertuUus Tortutfus a place early history clearly set out. SimUarly, next essay prosopographical techniques TeUenbach-Werner method. Its aim find possible fanuly background for Countess Gerberga, wife Fulk Good w h o ruled c. 942-60. V returns theme, this case with regard family Viscount Fulcoius Angers. author deftly discusses perceived errors earUer French scholarship issue. m lengthy study politics Geoffrey P A R E G O N ns 15.2 (January 1998) 290 Greymantle, count 960-987. Bachrach each separate region France controUed by famUy, basing research main cartularies. IV northern Peace movement at Le Puy 975. It delves into functioning covers its development over about fifty years. VI concentrates Nerra his accession as concentration here controversial matter precise date which he became count. concludes logically that 986 correct. VIII explores Fulk's exploitations church wealth around year 1000 such exploitation did take systematic fashion. LX issue correcting earlier regarding enforcement forma fidelitatis Fulk. article amply footnoted sources, making it very useful bibliographic tool. X looks most interesting area: whether reign should be regarded neo-Roman or feudal. can seen combination Carolingian Roman, rather than contains controversy has raged any use term 'feudal'. VII short feudal contract 995-1030 appears have aUowed an unusual period peace turbulent age. XI complements preceding one economy ancient feudal, since taxation was primarily n model. XII King Henry II's Saintonge, discussed chronicler Thomas Loches. index certainly helpful, but several proper names are omitted only partially referenced. used care. Anne Gilmour-Bryson Department University Melbourne ...
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