<i>Politics and Power in Early Medieval Europe: Alsace and the Frankish Realm, 600–1000</i> (review)
Ian Wood
Reviewed by: Politics and Power in Early Medieval Europe: Alsace the Frankish Realm, 600–1000 Ian Wood 600–1000. By Hans J.Hummer. [Cambridge Studies Life Thought, Fourth Series, 65.] (New York: Cambridge University Press. 2006. Pp. xiv, 299. $85.00. ISBN-13 978-0-521-85441-2.) Hummer sets out to examine workings of power, as seen largely through relations between aristocrats monastic houses they founded, endowed, tried control—but which were also used by rulers a conduit for royal influence—in region Europe that is often ignored historians: was not one major geopolitical units early medieval Francia. Nor did it fall consistently into larger power blocks, being at various moments assigned Carolingian Middle Kingdom, Lotharingia, East Francia or Germany, falling prey momentarily West Francia, coming under influence tenth-century Burgundy. The strangely peripheral nature makes an extremely interesting region: its history all more difficult reconstruct. Fortunately, there group documents from Weissenburg. Even so, this evidence does really supply with documentation he needs: His opening discussion late Merovingian structures is, instead, modeled on his reconstruction Pippinid Nivelles, while tenth century revolves around Etichonid Lure, both lying outside Alsace. So too, Old German literature produced Weissenburg (notably Otfrid's Evangelienbuch) involves excursus further east, mainly Fulda. Perhaps surprisingly, Hummer's argument ends up sequence nearly discrete studies. After political structures, moves emergence Etichonids families Rodoin Wolfoald-Gundoin. This followed precarial tenure period, sees undergoing considerable change after Council Estinnes (743–44). Here are number important points, notably about imposition census, though may try make developments clearer than are: chronology quite fit neatly would like. Thereafter fine, detailed Rodoin-family opposition census. reconsideration politics literature, revisits question role played Louis (and Pious). Whether have been better placed ensuing chapter, spells imperial open question. For offers reading Vita Odiliae, light sheds monastery Hohenburg,which takes reader back period 700, well end ninth century. represented Deicoli, involvement Lure. A concluding chapter argues reform transformed aristocracy, altering links religious houses, limiting actions military sphere, leading association [End Page 328] individual fortresses. While each these discussions raises cumulatively amount description interplay local broader region, left wondering whether might possible take slightly route concentrating either Both family deserve fuller treatment receive here. narrowly focused argument, gave coherent account aspect what book about, managed cover most same general points reader-friendly fashion. As perhaps tries give too much. interlocking studies contain good deal of...
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