Brett Edward Whalen, The Medieval Papacy. (European History in Perspective.) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014. Paper. Pp. xi, 227; 2 maps. $33.50. ISBN: 978-0-230-27283-5.
David Smith
Previous articleNext article FreeReviewsBrett Edward Whalen, The Medieval Papacy. (European History in Perspective.) New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2014. Paper. Pp. xi, 227; 2 maps. $33.50. ISBN: 978-0-230-27283-5.Damian J. SmithDamian SmithSaint Louis University Search for more articles by this author PDFPDF PLUSFull Text Add to favoritesDownload CitationTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints Share onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditEmailQR Code SectionsMoreAlthough a pope today has far greater opportunity influence the minds and hearts of many people than at any time past, it is case that study history papacy, particularly medieval waned. topic generally does not tempt beguile young scholars, who may find theme old-fashioned predictable. This no doubt part because way which introductions subject have been written, with dry emphasis on political struggles, especially between popes emperors. Regrettably, only detriment papal but related subjects as well. For instance, some recent populist books heresy shown lamentable lack understanding principles papacy operated, phrases letters are often taken out context they were written seriously distorts their meaning.Introductory English few tend be rather dreary. best general book remains Walter Ullmann’s A Short Papacy Middle Ages (London: Methuen, 1972), intellectually invigorating product great learning, even though arguments concerning level continuity growth ideas primatial authority from early High longer accepted. work was almost half century ago do we now better editions documentation use history, technological advances allow us wording those documents sophisticated ways, well wealth concerning, spirituality, liturgy, ritual, formation traditions, construction hierarchies, permit write fresh exciting way. There myths, centuries polemical literature, unfold. waiting up again new generation scholars.The currently under review designed light read audience. As such, there limit what can said reviewer, since central thesis debate essentially about evolution an idea. very fine job tracing its origins first century, through development later Roman Empire, Carolingians, reform movement, conflict empire, heights so-called monarchy, then Avignon, schism, towards Reformation. It controversial, supposed be, provides reader reasonably well-balanced account, nonconfessional standpoint, should proves significant strength, given strong temptation politicize theme.Although might meant public, would undoubtedly undergraduate students encourage them further study. If popular, errors corrected editions. Obviously I notice most ones period know about. possible did put dates himself, Gregory VII’s pontificate ended 1085, 1084 (whatever Romans thought). That Eugenius III began 1145 1143 Alexander III’s 1159 (not 1158). schism Innocent II Anacletus cannot really explained terms old-school versus reforming (Ullmann right saying characterised involved). slightly odd say following his defeat Roger Sicily, II, humiliated, died “several years later.” Lucius certainly die wounds received skirmish commune. contemporary “Protocol Huesca” surely mentioned it, Godfrey Viterbo (who suggests it) partial source. “elaborate liturgical celebration” May 1212 celebration victory all supplicatio generalis Christians overcome Saracens Spain, Las Navas (and king Portugal there).Nevertheless, introduction will serve valuable tool seeking information past one enduring institutions human history. DetailsFiguresReferencesCited Speculum Volume 92, Number 1January 2017 journal Academy America Article DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1086/689901 Copyright America. All rights reserved. permission reuse, please contact [email protected]PDF download Crossref reports citing article.
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