The Historiography of a Construct: “Feudalism” and the Medieval Historian
Richard Abels
Between 1974 and 1994, two influential critiques of feudalism were published, an article in by Elizabeth A. R. Brown a book Susan Reynolds that crystallized doubts about the construct harbored many historians Middle Ages. Over last few years textbooks have begun to reflect new consensus. Medieval responsible for chapters on Ages Western Civilization World now shy away from term ‘feudalism’. This reticence is less evident civilization lacking medievalist among collaborators. In several these we still find ‘feudal Ages’ presented without apology, as well comparisons drawn between Japanese, Chinese, medieval feudalisms. Whether or not assigned textbook mentions ‘feudalism’, most instructors probably continue use because it familiar them their students. presents overview historiography one key concepts study Ages, assessment where state question stands. The author concludes that, although critique powerful necessary, pendulum threatening swing too far other direction, vertical ties power relations once dominated discussions politics society, toward paradigm horizontal bonds, consensus making, community.
History Compass