Book 1
Michiel de Jong|Justin Lake
The first book of the Epitaphium covers period from Wala’s youth at Charlemagne’s court until years 822–5 when great man, by then known as ‘Arsenius’, served deputy to Louis’ son Lothar, who was king Italy and crowned emperor in Rome 823. In 814 Wala, banished court, had retreated Corbie, yet 821 he his half-brother Adalhard, abbot been reconciled with Emperor Louis. About all this, is almost entirely silent. main theme a lively dialogue among three monks, some additional interlocutors, deep grief about recent death. We get brief hints this political trouble, but most obfuscated deft literary tactics, which citations Terence play central part. masterpiece allusion, also gives an indication intended audience: not just monks literate Carolingian leadership impressed Radbert’s brilliance, perhaps persuaded look differently Wala/Arsenius, died 836 Italy. Shortly thereafter Radbert embarked on book.
Manchester University Press eBooks