From Judgment to Passion: Devotion to Christ and the Virgin Mary, 800–1200 by Rachel Fulton
Dana M. Polanichka
REVIEWS 253 fact that Scandinavia is somehow reduced to Denmark, it also strange refer “the general reader” Barbara Rosenwein’s medieval textbook (379 n. 71)— not diminish its excellent quality—rather than a specific monograph on the Gregorian reform and ensuing crisis, when point so crucial their argument. Reference Eric Christiansen’s Northern Crusades equally missing . In conclusion, authors define Scandinavian involvement in Europe through political interferences, military conquests settlements. (393) this respect, integration at levels other politico-religious, be they cultural or social, considered. All all, despite an attempt unify narrative, book lacks consistency Three themes are intertwined. The first story of political, territorial feuds between states, British north Atlantic Isles (chaps. 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 10). Such focus often keeps study factual level, away from economical undercurrents. these chapters, very clear but linear accounts come expense more original discussion. second theme focuses specifically navigation, which made Vikings efficient achieving goals. Chapters 5 11 offer interesting, in-depth up-to-date presentation contrasts with narrative. They strangely situated, however, one middle, before concluding chapter, break flow text. third aspect, role Christianity among Scandinavians, particularly Danes, emerges recurrently find conclusion last lost detailed discussions take most part book. end, we have well-illustrated informed Viking history Isles, Irish Sea, North Atlantic, useful for students regions, Scotland particular. authors’ insistence northern reminds us importance geographical area neglected histories. This emphasis detrimental regions Europe, where were active influent. With mind, unfortunately, Empires does overtake Peter Sawyer ’s Oxford Illustrated History Vikings, as introduction age Europe. ANNE-LAURANCE CAUDANO, Pontifical Institute Medieval Studies, Toronto Rachel Fulton, From Judgment Passion: Devotion Christ Virgin Mary, 800–1200, new paperback edition (New York: Columbia University Press 2005) 676 pp. It familiar medievalists well scholars religion art: sometime high Middle Ages, Christians’ devotion Son God shifted focusing King suffering Jesus. Thus there proliferated pietas, crucifixes bearing tortured body Jesus, various forms imitatio Christ. What remains less known behind transition—the how why. her award-winning Passion (2002), now paperback, Fulton attempts succeeds answering questions beautifully-woven piece intellectual religious history, theological inquiry ninth twelfth centuries. divided into two parts. first, Christus Patiens, examines 254 revision Christian account disappointed reaction millenium’s silent, uneventful passage. Chapter 1 Carolingian effort convert Saxons paganism Christianity. undertakes close analysis both Saxon Gospel (the Heliand) Paschachius Radbertus treatise Eucharist argues convincingly connection Radbertus’s problems educating about Eucharist. understanding emerges—he judge, who evokes awe. moves forward early eleventh century, period scholarship has located shift Mary. “Apocalypse, Reform Suffering Savior,” begins answer when, how, why transition. Agreeing date century), she connects devotional to...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies