Manuscripts and Monastic Culture: Reform and Renewal in Twelfth-Century Germany ed. by Alison I. Beach
Ruth Robbins
REVIEWS 302 the original literary production of countries in European north and east that give flesh to concept mythopoiesis as explicitly or implicitly construed by various contributors. The concrete parameters acts , both terms real-time elevation translation relics local saints Iceland Denmark, rationale behind construction related hagiographical historiographical narratives, are object study essays Á. Egildóttir K. Friis-Jensen respectively. These two articles most clearly argue favor need interpret memory holy men women not just imitation outside models, but deliberate meaningful long-term political social significance. As Geary alludes his concluding essay, this explains why studied cults royal episcopal received clear advantage with respect those hermits missionaries. skepticism shared many authors treating myth-creating processes along periphery Latin Christendom a simple introduction models is best exemplified M. Garrison’s critical approach problem an essential semantic model apparently used throughout medieval modern periods: nations’ sense divine election. Referring historians’ work (primarily D. Akenson’s Afrikaner self-identity ) her own previous analysis evidence regarding Carolingian period, Garrison claims when examined closely nation’s election, far from being immediately accessible self-evident, turns out be questionable, ambiguous, contested, time-related. Since notion election was essentially foreign Augustinian thought, conjectures developing ideological veterotestamentary Chosen People more exception, dictated particular historical trends events, than rule. topic definitely exhausted, yet certainly encourages new research conceptualization stands. On whole, collection valuable contributions meant close open further, vast field until recently considered separate political, literary, religious history. theme can further expanded geographically, through inclusion studies other nucleus Christendom, topically, focusing attention on alternative cases within newly converted states. In any case, testifies important developed medievalists responses problems constructing identity larger Christian context. BORIS TODOROV, History, UCLA/Yonsei University Manuscripts Monastic Culture: Reform Renewal Twelfth-Century Germany, ed. Alison I. Beach (Turnhout: Brepols 2007) xiv + 347 pp. Recent visual culture, participation nuns book regions beyond France, England, Italy, has broadened our understanding long twelfth century. Culture, which grew conference held August 2002 at monastery Admont contributes these recent trends. consideration manuscripts German reform communities, sensitivity distinct- 303 iveness German-speaking region, intellectual culture monastic binds together thematically. group, reflect current Middle Ages. Nigel Palmer begins overview highlights common methodological concerns (close their production) themes (gender reform). course introductory offers concise summary eleventh- twelfthcentury initiated Hirsau (based Cluny France) St. Blasien Frutuaria Italy). He briefly describes how monasteries spread customs exchange monks establishment confraternities (groups agree pray for one another). states reform, questions gender, clearly...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies