The Continuity of the Conquest: Charlemagne and Anglo-Norman Imperialism by Wendy Marie Hoofnagle
Lindsay Diggelmann
Reviewed by: The Continuity of the Conquest: Charlemagne and Anglo-Norman Imperialism by Wendy Marie Hoofnagle Lindsay Diggelmann Hoofnagle, Marie, Imperialism, University Park, Pennsylvania State Press, 2016; hardback; pp. 208; R.R.P. US $74.95; ISBN 9780271074016. Did Norman perceptions kingship empire deliberately follow model set forth Charlemagne, in both his historical literary or legendary forms? certainly thinks so sets out to examine hypothesis here. attachment Chanson de Roland, as expressed William Malmesbury's famous description Conqueror's troops bursting song before Battle Hastings, is most obvious example a cultural link between two [End Page 213] eras. Other links, however, are harder find impression an intellectually appealing conceptual framework not quite able be rendered complete evidence available. claims that rulership presented authors such Dudo Saint Quentin Geoffroi Gaimar 'similar developed during Charlemagne's reign' (p. 16). Perhaps so, but any mere resemblance Carolingian practice insufficient establish conclusively latter was modelled on former self-reflective manner, which assumption underlying entire project. Chapter 1 pursues intriguing notion 'Conversion Politics'. positions engagement with peoples British Isles expression benevolent 'soft power' leading 'socio-cultural […] conversion' 19), just much (or rather than) series military encounters. In this sense she relates expansion conversion pagan Saxons form imperialism. 2 examines topographical architectural examples. view castle-building took its cue from precedents based tenuous evidence, though Malmesbury claimed Hereford Cathedral's design counterpart Aachen (pp. 57 81). Some interesting echoes apparent Henry Huntingdon's descriptions Conqueror 68 70). These slim pickings base comparative study it see how discussions Britain's Roman roads Geoffrey Monmouth's revisionist history White Tower, innovative they their own terms, can truly reinforce central theme imperial continuity. third chapter, 'Taming Wild Beast: A New Look at Forest', encapsulates these contrasting strengths weaknesses. admits '[t]racing influence ducal practices not, unfortunately, clear-cut exercise reveals definitive paper trail' 91). note caution might stand epigraph for whole volume. Sections forest law, responses death Rufus imagery lais France all contain fascinating thoughtful insights. Yet while, case Marie's lais, section offers new readings familiar texts, entirely clear intended inform volume's overarching theme. I am readily persuaded 'has reinforced locus kingly authority' 111); sure what tells us about Normans' views reliance precedents. Hoofnagle's position, almost afterthought, 'manipulat[ed] image king lawgiver peacemaker subsequent kings capitalized on' 111), argument relies responding 214] models kingship. Further, order sustain book's thesis (and Angevin) continuity identity must also assume complex creations equated directly political heritage II's court, spelled out. short, chapter offers...
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