Family, Friends and Followers. Political and Social Bonds in Early Medieval Europe by Gerd Althoff
Éric Fournier
REVIEWS 185 Gerd Althoff, Family, Friends and Followers. Political Social Bonds in Early Medieval Europe, trans. C. Carroll (Cambridge: University Press 2004) x + 195 pp. In this short monograph, a translation of the German first edition 1990, Althoff attempts to analyze social mechanics political power early Middle Ages (mainly 900–1200). Looking exclusively at secular cases, his aim is describe impact “private” bonds (1). The distinction between private public an important one for linked (implicit) definition “state,” which he considers as “public thing,” manifested ruler or lords, opposition family and/or friends (vii 2). order unveil normative situations among these different groups, investigates cases conflict involving kinship, friendship lordship. He concludes that types are similar, all based on model most actions from period under consideration can be explained by forms relationships. After chapter reviews historiography concept Personenverbandsstaat), 2 analyzes kin-groups. For initial “open form” period, characterized “the simple consciousness belonging” group (26–27), gave way Carolingian century “aristocratic rule” (35), foreshadowed houses” high centered around fixed center (46–47). Chapter 3 looks “co-operative groups”, mainly coniurationes, sees highly similar each other (66). previous scholarship has overemphasized importance kinship type alliance. This therefore correct situation stressing cooperation significant factors medieval life. believes cooperative alliances evolved out bonds, but does not exclude combinations mixed (67). devotes bulk study amicitia its use establish peace parties, evolution tenth onward, when eastern kings started avoid using their relationships with own magnates vassals. Ages, opinion , thus witnessed more exclusive form became mark honor equals (87). A smaller section devoted “negative” unions, seen “basically same” union (101). 4, best book, typical relationships, bond As repeatedly asserts, lordship was unlike structure, linking vassal lord without any connection Here, Charlemagne introduced fundamental change imposing upon subjects, both lords vassals, oaths fidelity himself, breaking up local links upsetting hierarchy (117). According crystallization hereditary nature well constant rulers control hierarchies, occasioned conflicts, two take into account Ages. 5 discusses “rituals” establishment 186 socio-political discussed chapters, looking consultations, banquets feasts. there were main consultations public; preliminary meetings necessary confrontation debate during “ritualistic,” consultation. fascinating topic, Althoff’s observations insightful discussing later part (900–1200), clearly home. Unfortunately, however, book also presents numerous problems, live expectations created such promising topic. Although subtitle “political Europe,” emphasis heavily laid and...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies