The Making of Medieval History ed. by Graham A. Loud and Martial Staub
David Griffiths
Reviewed by: The Making of Medieval History ed. by Graham A. Loud and Martial Staub David James Griffiths Loud, A., Staub, eds, History, Woodbridge Rochester, York Press/Boydell Press, 2017; paperback; pp. 256; 30 b/w illustrations, R.R.P. £25.00; ISBN 9781903153703. Editors have excelled themselves in producing a collection articles that is many ways more than the sum its parts. eleven essays included range from arcane to thematic, grouped five parts examining categorization medieval period, identity, nationalism, land frontiers, religious history. As introduction editors states, ‘if we do not study Middle Ages, try understand explain it as unbiased way can, then leave field open those who abuse exploit past justify modern injustice’ (p. 3). More specifically, seeks explore issues particulars historiography: take stock, if only partially, oppositional framing history—as compared era, with stereotypical pairs versus rational, feudal capitalist, so on—and changes historiography led current thinking All too often popular medievalism finds roots institutions such liberal democracy or market forces emerging merchant class, struggles between Church kings, Magna Carta, but this timely reminder teleological history an intellectual dead end. first part collection, entitled ‘Imagining/Inventing Ages’, consists two essays, Dame Janet Nelson Professor Emeritus Ian Wood. It probably at point where ambitions are strongest. Nelson’s piece overview techniques over few decades, how new understandings economic history, better appreciation climatic evidence, evidence other physical impacts plague, has rethinking particular focus on cross-disciplinary projects studies diaspora populations transfer ideas. also details example inside discipline changed her own practice researching teaching Charlemagne Carolingian history—there solid undercurrent exhorting historians be just reflective about which they And Wood’s essay adds exploring retellings late antique early were appropriated across broad variety historical literary contexts Western Europe around eighteenth nineteenth centuries. next part, ‘Constructing European Identity’, equally successful. contributions, Patrick Geary Michael Borgolte, changing nature ethnic identities, providing sound transformation Roman populace, division citizens barbarians, into nations, been seen last Borgolte shows twentieth-century historiography, recent ‘global’ histories, complicated communities religion [End Page 222] permeated divide resident Eastern Germany West. third section most arcane: three Bastian Schlüter, Joep Leerssen, Bernhard Junsen, each elements Holy legacy, use Staufer imagery museum ceremonial ideological basis generated through restoration buildings century, contrasting illustrated depictions school textbooks France Germany. Each these relies close interpretation material evidence: intersection architecture, wood engravings, collectible picture cards presented chocolates. Some arguments boil down observations whether portrayed moustache (in German depictions) beard French). While explicitly addressed in...
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