<i>Eclipse of Empire?: Perceptions of the Western Empire and its Rulers in Late-Medieval France</i> (review)
Lindsay Diggelmann
Reviewed by: Eclipse of Empire?: Perceptions the Western Empire and its Rulers in Late-Medieval France Lindsay Diggelmann Jones, Chris , (Cursor Mundi, 1), Turnhout, Brepols, 2007; hardback; pp. xxiv, 415 ; 9 b/w illustrations, 4 colour illustrations; R.R.P. €80.00; ISBN 97825035247. Seldom can a punctuation mark have been put to more effective use on book cover. The title Jones's Empire? summarises traditional interpretation western European political developments around 1300 while question simultaneously indicates author's intent argue against accepted view. now at University Canterbury Christchurch, sets out challenge influential conclusions an older generation scholars (including Joseph Strayer Robert Folz) regarding issues such as growth sense French nationalism time Philippe IV (ruled 1285-1314) importance for Capetian legitimacy proving genealogical links Carolingians. There is little doubt that was declining authority after reign Frederick II Hohenstaufen (died 1250) or power rise, trend most famously exemplified by IV's conflicts with Boniface VIII's papacy. But this not necessarily way contemporaries understood it perceptions Jones fully concerned. He shows characterisations his regime commentators did indeed shift decades demise, but had much do domestic (notably canonisation Louis IX) any observations itself. discussions imperial interregna later reigns Henry VII Ludwig Bavaria early fourteenth century also reflect theoretical view ordered hierarchical world may seen thrown off course only temporarily, rather than permanently. scrupulous laying methodology. Claiming be acting counter recent specialised case studies thought period, he aims comprehensive possible examining wealth chronicle sources produced northern between 1240s 1340s. Here tradition St Denis important placed context being left speak own. Furthermore, recognises problematic impressions created nineteenth-century editors great medieval source collections (especially Monumenta Germaniae Historica Recueil des historiens Gaules et de la France). In choosing what include exclude, argues, these gave body work fixed [End Page 230] fact case. reintroduces focus fluidity narratives encourages readers consider each text valuable own right, simply either antecedent pale imitation authoritative single version. If occasionally lends appearance series discrete textual manuscript tradition, nonetheless careful structure chapter clarity prose ensure wider goals are never far from (As aside, notable flaw book's presentation curiously inaccurate map p. xxiv. crisp marred oft-repeated phrase 'almost certainly' which, although indicative admirable scholarly caution, does tend grate while. Perhaps author could employed some stylistic alternatives.) Attention detail proves fruitful, impressively wide-ranging analysis contemporary texts their opinions very reducing burdensome weight hindsight historiography understanding writers about leaders. Rather asserting model embryonic 'nation-state' opposition universalist claims Empire, chroniclers thirteenth centuries envisage polity room than...
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