Morality and Masculinity in the Carolingian Empire
E. T. Dailey
In this monograph, Rachel Stone presents us with research based on her doctoral studies at King’s College London masculinity and the moral instruction of Carolingian lay elite. It is a welcome addition to field scholarship that rarely discusses Frankish Empire, preferring instead either end in late antiquity or begin Gregorian Reforms. Stone’s monograph particularly impressive its ability reconstruct general sense prevailing cultural attitudes from diverse sources without falling into trap simplifying harmonizing them. Moreover, she successfully integrates investigation both questions such manner two potentially divergent topics enrich one another, rather than cause lack focus. conclusions are as insightful they reasonable: society drew upon Christian Roman precedents, was heavily influenced by Merovingian synthesis these traditions, but it also developed new solutions contemporary challenges, especially areas where ancient inheritance confused ambiguous. A careful balance resulted, which competing groups male elite were kept check system made uprightness attainable, jeopardizing accepted concepts masculinity, discourse encouraged consensus downplayed rivalry.
German History