Be a Perfect Man. Christian Masculinity and the Carolingian Aristocracy by Andrew J. Romig
Michael Stewart
Reviewed by: Be a Perfect Man. Christian Masculinity and the Carolingian Aristocracy by Andrew J. Romig Michael Edward Stewart Romig, J., (The Middle Ages series), Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press, 2017; cloth; pp. 264; R.R.P. US $65.00, £54.00; ISBN 978081224924. In 789, then king Charlemagne launched his famous program correctio renovatio. Although reformers Church practices mechanics government achieved many their goals, most modern scholars deem successors' attempts to implant new moral norms within aristocracy failure. this provocative monograph challenges aspects consensus. He declares that in efforts make society truly Christian, moralists like 'Paulinus Alcuin wrote nothing less than ideological manuals for Frankish aristocracy' (p. 35). For caritas, loosely defined English as 'universal love', lies at heart these directives. argues 'love God neighbour' gradually developed into 'core aristocratic value from which all other values derived' 39). As result, 'the ascetic male remained forever pinnacle hierarchies masculine power' 157). Laying foundation sure be controversial thesis, opening chapter examines intimate connections between asceticism, 'true' manliness early Christianity. Regretfully neglecting much recent work on ancient masculinities violence, is nuanced it could have been. By retracing well-worn pathways established Peter Brown The Body Society (Columbia 1988), irenic forms late antique ideologies are magnified, while Christianity's more militant, violent, inclusive principles largely excluded. Admittedly, writings Sulpicius Severus (d. c. 420), Augustine Hippo 430), Gregory Great 604) mined adeptly show how intellectuals prioritized irenic, interiorized, metamorphic 'New Testament' masculinity over worldly militaristic 'Roman' strains. Romig's view, was Gregory's conviction caritas offer laymen access salvation power, proved particularly enticing aristocrats striving serve both earthly king. Chapter 2 shifts second half Charlemagne's reign. Instead seeing reforms coming time strength, author contends Admonitio generalis appeared when ruler felt vulnerable: politically, militarily, spiritually. His reform indeed reflects need reassurance Franks were God's 'Chosen People'. opinion, placed hope success upon aristocracy. 3, discusses ways Louis Pious's reign (814–840) experienced subtle reshaping ideals rulership masculinity. intellectuals, Louis's capacity unbending stood attribute. what see [End Page 198] contemporary criticisms failures retaliate against enemies or punish sons must interpreted context impending civil war 841. anonymous Astronomer's highlighting seemingly unlimited forgiveness not meant criticism, but praise. 4 divulges how, wake dissolution empire after 841, compatibility secular spiritual began unravel. reads debates surrounding 'rebel' predestinarian monk, Gottschalk Orbais 867), symptoms theological crisis broader societal shifts, saw manly cut off progressively men's deeds world. concludes, 5, gave up trying adapt codes norms. Instead, they moulded exclusive ideology casts wayside. To explore growing rift, Odo Cluny's Vita Geraldi (c. 930). One few hagiographies dedicated lay saint, Gerald Aurillac's 909), may seem strange text to...
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