Reflections on the Unicorn's Head
C. Warren Hollister
Mr. Cheyette's remarks require at least a brief comment from the gild of medieval tapestry weavers with whom he disagrees so strongly. On assumption that historian cannot derive definition evidence, has produced an article which is once interesting, well written, and utterly uncontaminated by contact original source. Thus liberated, woven colorful his own. Having written much on how feudalism ought not to be defined, turns length its proper definition. Unsure what institution is, defines as “a way thinking,” better yet, “technique,” and, perhaps best all, “spirit.” It unnatural institutional would object such definitions. They have fine sound in context brief, discursive article, but actual writing history they are ephemeral indeed, far more archetypal than definitions medievalists ordinarily use. What feudalism? Marc Bloch, whose conception it about broad one apt find among historians, follows: A subject peasantry; widespread use service tenement (i.e. fief) instead salary, was out question; supremacy class specialized warriors; ties obedience protection bind man within warrior class, assume distinctive form called vassalage; fragmentation authority — leading inevitably disorder; midst all this, survival other forms association, family State, latter, during second feudal age, acquire renewed strength then seem fundamental features European feudalism.
Journal of British Studies