"The Gentle Voices of Teachers": Aspects of Learning in the Carolingian Age ed. by Richard E. Sullivan
Janet L. Nelson
The Gentle Voices of Teachers:Aspects Learning in Carolingian Age. Edited by Richard E. Sullivan. (Columbus: Ohio State University Press. 1995. Pp. xiv, 361. $49.50 clothbound; $18.50 paperback.) This book grew out six papers read at a conference masterminded Professor Sullivan 1989. His preface evokes gentle voices (the phrase is from an Alcuin nostalgic mood) world but gentle. A sense hard times recurs Sullivan's list (pp. 53-54) factors inimical to nurturing culture: constrained material resources, anemic societal infrastructures, massive illiteracy, brutality manners, endemic violence, adherence diverse and 'primitive' mind-sets running counter light It depends, course, on what you mean culture. not about culture archaeologists' (there scant reference archaeology here), nor do authors concern themselves with wider sketched certain roughness editor. acknowledges that his cultural history which neglects the little people realms where they lived their silent, unlettered, culturally unadorned lives. clear this not-and what, perhaps, broader vision might have made it. Still, learning tackled here variety standpoints, all them interest students scholars working other parts medieval field. Are Carolingianists too specialized, asks (p. 82)? If are, may be more timely. Do put off Introduction, specially written for book, rather than conference, yet perplexingly remote rest it, including own Chapter 2.Factors shaping studies include ritual incantation names French structuralists 15) followed (partly overlapping) lists seminal thinkers 19) postmodernist brigade, avatars new social history, annalistes, cited voluminous footnotes scarce anything period. All allegedly represent currents thought Carolingianists, hitherto negligent, it seems,must aware. Well, those assembled unaware-but are clearly old-fashioned, theoretically unaccredited jobbing historians: Lawrence Nees 217) points Carolingians were already postmodern receptivity multivalent messages;Thomas Noble 228), eschews poststructuralism proceed assumption Theodulf [in Libri Carolini] had both means will articulate views; while David Ganz 262), fires some refreshingly acerbic criticisms who apply concepts such as literacy, dramatic narrative, or `the function grammatica'. . sources effort discover original insights. Frankly, better its contributors' sticking resolutely trade-one learned, cases Contreni Noble, workshop: good historians parade no warrant importance close critical readings, contextualizing, texts.Theory doubt under belts, belongs: produced beautifully crafted, custom-made pieces scholarship. Appropriately, first substantial chapter (Chapter 2) master's: observations context activity specific, telling. He stresses how upstart dynasty sponsored reform, high was part parcel, establish legitimacy. affirms qualifies Charlemagne's mandate, rightly saying exaggerated Great Man's personal responsibility renaissance bears name (isn't tendency reinforced, though, shorthand use-especially Americans? …
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