THOMAS F. X. NOBLE. Images, Iconoclasm, and the Carolingians. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press. 2009. Pp. 488. $65.00
Ildar H. Garipzanov
This book presents the first comprehensive study of Western responses to Byzantine iconoclasm and an impressive scholarly analysis early medieval discourse on sacred images, with a particular focus Carolingian texts. Contrary traditional perception as lacking coherence often missing point, Thomas F. X. Noble shows that intellectuals were familiar major arguments both sides iconoclastic controversy. The meticulous discussion textual evidence also demonstrates authors differ considerably in their attitudes toward Christian figural art. What is common those works, argues, they evolved around three themes: tradition (the relation period preceding temporal history), order (evolving issues authority legitimacy), worship (essentially focused proper cult). Most medievalists will appreciate chapters, where provides an...
The American Historical Review