Perceptions of the Past in the Early Middle Ages
Rosamond McKitterick
Historical writing of the early middle ages tends to be regarded as little more than a possible source facts, but Rosamond McKitterick establishes that medieval historians conveyed in their texts sophisticated set multiple perceptions past. In these essays, focuses on Frankish realms eight and ninth centuries examines different methods genres historical relation time chronology. She claims there is an extraordinary concentration new text production older reproduction this period has accounted for, whose influence still being investigated established. Three themes are addressed Perceptions Past Early Middle Ages. begins by discussing Chronicon Eusebius-Jerome way examining composition reception universal history tenth centuries. demonstrates original manuscripts turn out many cases compilations sequential with chronology extending back creation world or origin Franks. second chapter, she explores significance Rome Carolingian past argues its importance loomed large was communicated great range material objects. third looks at eighth- ninth-century local realm within wider contexts Christian national history. concludes very rich, complex, sometimes contradictory stretching world, Franks forged own special place.
Historically Speaking