Politics and Power in Early Medieval Europe: Alsace and the Frankish Realm, 600–1000 by Hans J. Hummer
Boris Todorov
REVIEWS 237 bringing tangible proof to bear on the question of Anglo-Saxon right power. Subsequently, Hill shows how through various historians—Hill begins with Polydore Vergil and moves usual suspects (Rapin, Lockman, Smollet, Hume, Turner)—the English empire manifested itself completely as choicest cultural mix monarchy democracy, gleaned from AngloSaxon roots: It became “the ultimate compromise” (142). Hill’s argument is well supported but straightforward—he not concerned any political implications Anglo-Saxonism or far-reaching consequences that bleed into nineteenth century beyond. Far making a broader claim about comprehensiveness complex historical movement, The Anglo-Saxons leans more toward positive reading modern world. paints relatively broad strokes, concentrating reputation Anglo-Saxons. All in all, he generalizes have fared history. While disagreeable, this position seems almost too conciliatory at times, often appears favor path history looks back end beginning rather than fleshing out dialectical and, subsequently, torrid, engagement But, states introduction, book phenomena “AngloSaxon ” subsequent conclusions, end, it succeeds. Although much material has been covered before sundry ways, does fine job clearly presenting appropriation England ’s past. Moreover, packaging remains fairly comprehensive scope: appendix contains key figures (those “who left their mark studies one way another advent myriad scholars twentieth century” [191]), thirty-five plates are useful additions text. Quite likely most up-to-date resource historicism during period an extensive bibliography, work will undoubtedly be analysis Anglo-Saxonism. MICHAEL MODARELLI, English, University Tennessee, Knoxville Hans J. Hummer, Politics Power Early Medieval Europe: Alsace Frankish Realm, 600–1000 (Cambridge: Cambridge Press 2005) xiv + 299 pp. Studies Life Thought series continues offer its readers valuable thought-provoking monographs field early medieval Hummer’s noteworthy addition historians focusing regional West, particularly Carolingian period. He goes beyond purely rare example study providing equally terms synthesis , examines archival heritage Alsatian monasteries both for social region kingdoms general. Hummer ambitiously brings together two schools thought concentrated either government, embodiment institutional structures—military, ecclesiastical, judicial, political, etc.—or lack government compensatory mechanisms organization creating viable power structures. Essential his method is, own words, deemphasizing distinction between lay ecclesiastical interests” 238 (7). obliteration turns move solidly by conclusions numerous works (by B. Rosenwein, P. Geary, W. Brown, name few) exceptionally beneficial structure rich content many chapters. interested just particular aspects structures, like economic basis, mechanisms, implications; fact, covering multitude possible connections what can termed authority—the bestowed on, by, kings territorial power-holders—and was spiritual authority, all expressions, monastic institutions thematic topographical focus whole monastery Weissenburg, northern diocese Speyer. The...
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies