The New Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. I: C. 500–c.700 (review)
William E. Klingshirn
Reviewed by: The New Cambridge Medieval History. Vol. I: C. 500-c.700 William E. Klingshirn 500-c.700. Edited by Paul Fouracre. (New York: University Press. 2005. Pp. xviii, 979. $180.00.) With the publication of Volume I, History is now complete (seven volumes in eight), a decade after began with II 1995. As editor candidly points out his preface, there were many delays along way. Some chapters submitted as early 1990 (and had to be updated), while others, for various reasons, produced more recently. result volume that bit uneven, dated some areas and up minute but overall can judged worthy beginning conclusion) series. It instructive compare organization this its nearest counterparts: XIV Ancient History, which covers imperial post-imperial Mediterranean world between 425 600, NCMH: 700–c. 900. centrality Roman empire CAH "Carolingian Europe" NCMH gives those geographical political unity was not available planners I. They instead organized their subject chronologically regionally, thematic at end. [End Page 375] Following editor's introduction further introductory on later empire, barbarian invasions, sources period (chaps. 1–3), part I 4–10) devoted sixth century; it moves from eastern Italy, Spain, Gaul, Celtic Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Part 11–19) goes over same regions seventh century, addition chapter Muhammad Islam without been planned Lombard Italy (see pp. xiii–xiv); final two chapters, added (p. xiii), Scandinavia Slavs are treated. III 20–28) surveys Jews, kingship, economies northern seas, money coinage; then closes, do II, church, education learning, art architecture. (Unlike these volumes, however, has no conclusion editor.) book ends list primary sources, extensive bibliographies, thorough index. Much contains exactly what readers will expect: engaging balanced events, institutions, problems, ideas, themes written experts furnished riveting details ample citations textual material evidence. go even further. An excellent example Michael Toch's chapter, "The Jews Europe, 500–1050," intended serve needs first three NCMH. By skeptical review evidence, questions "the significance proportion" "historians have usually accorded" 547). If Toch correct, documents re-considered, instance, twelfth canon council Vannes (ca. 465), which, warning clerics avoid Iudaeorum convivia, seemed provide evidence presence furthest reaches Gaul. inclusion like makes just reliable also thought-provoking guide beginnings Middle Ages. Production errors few far between. There typos pages 146 679, Handley (2003), cited page 88, missing bibliography. One suspects should read: Handley, M.A. Death, Society, Culture: Inscriptions Epitaphs Gaul AD 300–750, Oxford. an incorrect caption plate 10, illustrated Vienna Dioscorides. shown fol. 20r, rather 268r, does depict, ἀρτεμɩσία μονόκλωνοϛ (Artemesia spicata) πϵριστερεὼν ὀρϐόϛ (traditionally Verbena officinalis), plant discussed Dioscorides...
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