The Cambridge History of Medieval Political Thought c. 350-c. 1450 ed. by J. H. Burns
David Wallace
STUDIES IN THE AGE OF CHAUCER should read 2 Thessalonians, folios 118v-119v; 1 Timothy, 119v122r ; 122r (rubric)-124r. It is a pity, too, that the admittedly and understandably summary list of contents nevertheless does not mention Table Lessons, Epistles, Gospels at end manuscript stated explicitly to be for "Use ofSalisbury," pity very good apparently early pen drawings ofthe Crucifixion with chalice ofa shieldand motto (folios 194v 195r) are mentioned (cf. drawing noted in MS 323, though later addition), even they can associated an owner manuscript, given Summary Catalogue as "Thomas Peuere." unfortunate inconsiderable effort compiling handlist this kind seems, case, undermined by sorts inaccuracies detailed above. The level inaccuracy three entries examined here detail inspire confidence reliability Handlist whole points detail, it remains useful overall guide Middle English prose Douce Collection. JEREMY GRIFFITHS St. John's College, Oxford J. H. BURNS, ed. Cambridge History ofMedieval Political Thought c. 350-c. 1450. New York: University Press, 1988. Pp. viii, 808. $89.50. This massive collaborative effort, which nineteen scholars cover 1,100 years political thought, has much teach us only about age Chaucer but also problems, pitfalls, disciplinary limits historiography. Suchlimitsare acknowledgedfrom thefirstby volume's editor: Burns concedes "the character 'medieval thought' problematic. Its existence, identifiable entity or subject, may questioned, been denied" (p. 1). His response such doubts, elsewhere, pragmatic: something going on under name thought best part century, and, therefore, disci­ pline assumed exist. Before turning over volume his contributors, he succinctly reviews pillars century-old 194 REVIEWS tradition: Otto von Gierke, R. Wand A.J. Carlyle, Walter Ullmann. Gierke's work known readers through F. WMaitland's translation third Das deutsche Genossenschafts­ recht (3 vols, 1868-81) Theories Age (1900; reprinted 1987). Carlyles produced six-volume thematic narrative A ofMediaeval Theory W<:st between 1903 1936 (reprinted 1970). death 1983, Ullmann wrote wide range articles books emphasizing importance legal juristic sources. Each ofthese authors strove generate unified vision, narrative, "political thought"; recognition their particu­ larities differences provides point ofdeparture current undertaking. No grand synthesis foreseen here: contributors called upon within own theological, legal, sociological, economic, literary-critical specialisms. sequence oftheir efforts "The Medieval Thought." history comprises five sections: 1, "Foundations" (pp. 11-47); 2, "Byzantium" 49-79); 3, "Beginnings: 750" 81-153); 4, "Formation: 750-c. 1150" 155-338); 5, "Development: 1150c . 1450" 339-648). Following brief "Conclusion," we have "Notes Authors" 653-89), series ofpotted biographies refer­ ences keyed bibliography. section reflects editor's resolve organize "issues," rather than "great thinkers." So instead chapter Aquinas, example, find diverse aspects Aquinas (kingship, tyranny, community, property) discussed different headings. sensible strategy, although "biographies" device proves problematic: many "medieval thought" anonymous obscure, so get cross references as: "York Tracts (Tractatus Eboracenses): see Norman Anonymous" 689). There eighty pages bibliogra­ phy, organized major sections. book two excellent, indexes encourage who, unnerved bulk, will wish consult reference. designed backward forward. few lapses editorial vigilance stem, perhaps, from Burns's decision let each contributor free hand. A. Markus's introduction 3 times repetitive awkwardly expressed, Latin fathers more lucid. Readers 9 surprised learn "Charlemagne successors disposed necessary central organs ofgovernment local officials" 175). told Church... 195 came dispose every institutional advantage" 186); clear Van Caenegem quite mastered functioning tricky verb. Six apparent thinking language understands loss relative term: "Few old imperial traditions were thoroughly lost publication constitutions rescripts" 192). Such minor flaws do invalidate chapter: distinction draws seigneun·e feodalite 195-210) offers corrective literati (like me) who tended slop terms together "feudalism." odd typo almost welcome magnitude: Dante might enjoyed rendition Boniface VIII's famous bull "Unam sanctum" 688). Almost half space period 11001450 But Chaucerians pass chapters; medieval long roots. first chapter-Henry Chadwick "Christian Doctrine" nine pages-hasimportant things say "schizophrenia Christian attitudes government" 12), paragraphs communities germane world parish fraternities (as recorded returns 1389) anything else volume. Authors covering ca. 750ca 1150, faced scarcity governmental, eccle­ siastical treatises, turn readily other study metaphor poetic texts.Janet Nelson Carolingian West Frankish court poets annalists; she makes use royal blessing-prayer Prospice 217-18) chansons de geste 217-18, 236-37). She explains rationale Alfred burn­ ing cakes Canute getting feet wet 242). I. S. Robinson, discussing "Church Papacy," sees ofecclesiology thissame written concepts images: Man ofLaw's Tale material discussion theChurch body Christ," ship," bride," mother" 252-60). As P. Canning notes introducing development grows ever complex 1150-1450. Ideas assimilated Aristotle Roman law interact long-standing theocratic, hierocratic, feudal conceptions; higher education, studies develop rapidly pace urbanization eco­ nomic growth quickens. Europe divides into plurality sovereign states; toward secular state considered expression man's nature.]. Watt leads offthis describing how theorists spiritual temporal powers evolved competing models, hierocracy caesaropapism. retains focus concision 196 concentrating exegetical single biblical verse, Luke 22.38: "At illi dixerunt: Domine, ecce duo gladii hie. At ille dixit eis: Satis est." In following successive interpretations glossa ordinaria, Gottschalk Aachen, Bernard Clairvaux, Hugh Saint Victor, Gratian, Ricardus Anglicus, Johannes Teutonicus, Parma, decretalists oflnnocent III, Adam Marsh, Robert Grosseteste, Bracton, Dante, Marsilius ofPadua 370-422), fully appreciate literary elaborated ofmedieval procedures Alastair Minnis famil­ iarized us. same time gain deeper appreciation singular achievement ofMonarchia, brings apostle Peter vibrantly life analysis-but interests ofadvancing one side "two swords" argument. teaches important relationship ofindividual characteriza­ tion representative function texts. Kenneth Pennington, "Law, Legislation Government, 11501300 ," considers canonists thefirst lawyers Western tradition establish essential element ofpolitical theory. Certain details account form interesting gloss phrases familiar fourteenth­ century contexts.The characterization pope supreme legislator had all laws breast ("omne jus habet pectore suo," phrase law, p. 434) recalls self-characterization attributed Richard II 1399 Deposition articles. Hostiensis's elaboration Innocent III distinguished heavenly human ("potestas absoluta et ordinata" 435; pp. 455-56) forms precedent our understanding celebrated nominalist potentia ordinata. canonist habit mind sometimes invites comparison problem-solving deftly concluded squire ofThe Summoner's Tale. W hat becomes ofpapal authority, Huguccio ofPisa asks, ifthe guilty ofsimony? Ofstealing? Offornication concubinage? ifhe fornicates altar church 437)? Pennington ends informing was Franciscan, Thomas York (1256), claim pope'splenitudopotestatis source jurisdiction church. By developing emphasis all-encompassing pervasive authority prince, mendicant theologians helped pave way theoretical justification absolute monarchy 453). J.P. Canning, chapter, takes up theme ofprincely voluntas then goes discuss concept ofcorporate developed Bartolus, Baldus, Italian 197 city-republics. Jean Dunbabin, "Government," traces kingly powers, strategies contest limit them, comparative analysis France England Ages. Christine Pisan, put strong religious sanction against any disloyalty disobedience crown, purveyor ideal image Charles V wished populace him 489). turbulent peasant community Meun's la Rose power popular contract 516-17). Dunbabin incidental reference Wyclifand Langland, there helpful Chaucer, particularly counsel, insufficient title. Dun­ babin's Deposi­ tions 1327 handled 495-96, 517). Jeannine Quillet, writing "Community, Counsel Representa­ tion," observes these "reflect organic-even organicist­ vision society, communication men unproblematic because individual taken analysis. explanation idea dominates social organisation" 521). perhaps most reflective book, fruitful departure pondering association devel­ oped Chaucer's pilgrim company along Canterbury road. ofkoinonia appliedby Paul Church, civil (William Moerbeke translates term com­ munitas, 524-27), bearing relations equality subordination Chaucerian review organicist conceptions city state, followed somefascinatingparagraphs onScornsand Ockham(pp. 536-38). Here grasp, glimpse, insistence intramental unique rules out possibility perfect exchange: "Personalitas est negatio communicationis," Scorns says; politi­ cal no longer deduced natural sociability man. Parts Quillet's argument thinly documented, historical sketchily drawn, reader often feel inspired fill picture. For dispute what con­ stitutes majority opinion, sanior pars valentior pars, dramaticmoments both texts London politics 1380s 1390s. lucid Conciliar Movement," Anthony Black contributes second entitled Individual 198 Society." develops concerns broached chapter; experiences similar difficulties its reference, since society seldom dis­ cussed sources generally; seen special problem" 591). Ages words "society," none "individual" (excepting scholastic termpersona singularis). embarkson quest textsin search absent modern 591-97); human­ istcultivation privacy 606), conceptdeveloped underthe protection despoticgovernments. furthers uses nominalism noting how; fifteenth apologists rule able argue societal wholes existential reality 604). Janet Coleman, "Property Poverty," differs othercontrib­ utors beginning categories master ofeconomic categoriesare embedded. speaks formation market economy based towns; agriculture became economy; popula­ expansion, commercial loans, minting money. thenconsidershow politicalterminologiesfacilitated,or adapted to, changes economic sphere. Rights ownership expro­ priation obviously crucial Coleman succinct transitions capitalist dominium possessio 615-16). examines canon property rights expropriation ofeconomicsurplus writes atlength definitions poor" impact Franciscan movement; FitzRalph Wyclif 644-47). fourteenth concludes, "dominium narrower sense, rebus, become ius re, right some thing like land defensible others, transferable capable ofalienation possessor-a situation depended profit economy. Men described theory, poetry prose, polemic ephemera, individuals controlling lives being responsible wellas thespiritualaspectsof existence" 648). broadening final highlights abiding dilemmas: gap fallsbetween specific moment. volume'scontributors not, ofcourse, oblivious difficulty. Antony conscious ofit recordingJuan 199 Segovia's eloquent testimony associational form. CouncilofBasel, Segoviasays, ofdifferent status andnationalitycame together, pooled knowledge, common outlook on"'one intermediate status.' Through 'almostdaily forced intoeach other's company, born true love persons ofall nationalities ... that, coming certain delight, explore wisely good."' 586).Black notes, however, this"com­ mon good" understood narrowly: chiefly, fact, clergy articulated it. Here, Black's argument, move (communality) moment (Council Basel) (delimited group interest). More typically, how­ ever,"political tends stuck phase argu­ ment. difficult define, ideas (Jean observes)"so dominated context werearticulated-academic treatise, sermon, exhortation, propaganda official pronouncement" 478). And contexts themselves, unstable: Quiller opens her acknowledging"the lack ofprecision vocabulary great diversity genres involved studying it" (p.520). "Political thought," then, reduce itself Jaussian reception key documents acquire meaning instances ofhistorical deployment interpretation.The originates eighth-century forgery Donation Constantine. Interpretations differ origin, (Janet argues) text identified either"as papal document 753 justify Pope Stephen's summoning Franks Italy protect lands Peter... alternatively 'literary divertissement' late 750s 760s Lateran cleric" 212). Meanings change expand dramatically time. Take, formula"Quod omnes tangit ab omnibus approbari debet": course trace itsgradual rise (through eight citations chapters) obscure beginningsasan anthologized maximinJustinian (where itapplies guardian-ward relationships) celebrity chiefpillar theory ofconsent basic corporate practice ofrepresentative government. Most selected consideration ensure conducted high abstraction: dedicated empire, state. Caenegem, having 200 characterized post-Carolingian "a when went without state," discovers opportunity localized Instead Annales school microhistory, attempt evoke spirit landowning class anecdotal color: "They constantly warfare, corresponded knightly life, fun-of sort Huizinga's Homo Ludens hardly distinguishable sports, al­ tales grim mutilation warn undue nostalgia" 180). One wishes paid attention those structures lived: vill, manorial court, trade gild, fraternity. household is, course, category boasts impeccable Aristotelian pedigree, receives scant here. suggests little dedicatedto thepolitical women. women made 16), informs married woman ancient highly privileged chattel-slave (privileged degree children alone counted legitimate, extent husband wouldkeep hands offthe slave-girls)." last reference: nothing next 800 addresses directly magnitude opportunities revising tradi­ tional periodizations comprise thought." rebellion received occurs volume, P D. King, briefed write Barbarian King­ doms," resists methods traditionally employed "to construct homogeneous Germanentum: "It consigned once historiographical curiosity shop, join nineteenth-century relics" 147). relic all, dividing line "medi­ eval" "Renaissance," still indispensable. introduc­ acknowledges "there termed Renaissance" 366). Burns, recognizes "may looselydesignate 'scholasticism' 'humanism' easier peaceful proposed" "humanism itself, after must traced beginnings least far back mid-fourteenth century" 651). Humanism will, assumes, coveredin successor promised dust jacket 1989. effect postponement 201 surely perpetuate traditional notion humanism cultural movement floats above immediate constraints place time; would useful, consider contribu­ Petrarch fellow humanists absolutist Milanese Visconti. excellent scholarship, generous documentation, bibliographical resources. worth reading expert knowledge bring instructive moments doubt, stress, experience working assigned shape bridle thinking. DAVID WALLACE Texas Austin ROBERT FRANCIS COOK. Sense Song ofRoland. Ithaca, N.Y., London: Cornell 1987. xix, 266. $34.50. ofRoland, Beowulf, Sir Gawain andthe Green Knight, Wife ofBath's Prologue Tale, occupies curious medievalstudies. best-known example itsgenre, subject greater amount scholarly commentary combined; indeed, treated if perfectly exemplifies genre works need heroic ethos French result, indispensablepart survey courses intranslation, taught unsuspect­ undergraduates people specialists field, notknow thescholarship, unable poem original language. circumstances, teachers tend rely opinion concern­ work's interpretative cruces; Roland too short make decent-sized paperback, translators willing provide introductions embodying opinions, generations ofspecialists. result Cerquiglini pointed out, ofRoland thing; difficulty consensus, Cook argues ably convincingly, wrong. 202
Studies in the Age of Chaucer