Die Lebensbeschreibungen Bischof Burchards von Würzburg: Vita Antiquior—Vita Posterior—Vita Metrica (review)
Thomas F. X. Noble
Reviewed by: Die Lebensbeschreibungen Bischof Burchards von Würzburg: Vita Antiquior—Vita Posterior—Vita Metrica Thomas F. X. Noble Metrica. Edited by Desirée Barlava. [Monumenta Germaniae Historica: Scriptores rerum Germanicarum in usum scholarum separatim editi, LXXVI.] (Hannover: Verlag Hahnsche Buchhandlung. 2005. Pp. viii, 277. €30,00.) Burchard is one of those important but shadowy figures who dot the eighth-century historical landscape. He was an Anglo-Saxon, possibly noble birth, and perhaps educated at Malmesbury. It remotely possible that he related to Boniface. on Continent 738 named first bishop Würzburg 741 or 742, most likely Carolingian mayor palace Carloman Boniface's nomination. participated a series church councils 740s, visited Rome least twice, 748 as envoy 751 Pippin's. Although Christianization land around initiated Kilian advanced Willibrord, there much work for do. On left bank Main, foot Marienburg, founded monastery dedicated Mary Andrew. Erecting support bishopric fairly typical Anglo-Saxon measure. The Life Gregory Utrecht says died before Boniface, murdered 754. His date death may be February 2, 753. vitae expertly edited this volume—on which, more below–tell only some never follow strict chronological order. Consequently, must use correspondence, other saints' lives, conciliar records, various narrative sources piece together account Burchard's eventful life. Unlike many people orbit Boniface Willibrord received roughly contemporary vitae, did not. three are late very limited value sources. Barlava's complete edition all vitae. vita antiquior Canisius, Mabillon, Brea, Holder-Egger basis different manuscripts; manuscripts were collated edition. posterior has been printed fully, largely because its book repeats antiquior. metrica 1741, critical probably composed conjunction with translation relics St. 986. text [End Page 134] bears sufficient similarity Passio Maior Kiliani have supposed two texts written same author. This might Stephen Novara. Gall, Reichenau, places where written. author seems "E" wrote behalf Abbot Pilgrim monks Burchard. appears Ekkehard Aura. abbot from 1130 1146 between 1108 1113. Quite became well 1130. John Lauterbach Erfurt about 1350. made little known Much what it says, example noble, hagiographical topoi. In preparing used antiquior, Kiliani, latter's sources, Bede. As result virtually no independent value. Nevertheless, stress legitimacy Würzburg's foundation enthronization "public" activities: missions Rome, founding bishoprics, elevating Kilian's relics, monastery, example. metrica, rhymed hexameters versus concatenati (verses alternating end internal rhymes) possesses Barlava provides precise details surviving manuscripts, earlier editions, relevant scholarship. prose can inform today's reader about...
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