<i>Wales and the Crusades, c.1095–1291</i> by Kathryn Hurlock (review)
David Crouch
Reviewed by: Wales and the Crusades, c.1095–1291 by Kathryn Hurlock David Crouch c.1095–1291. By Hurlock. [Studies in Welsh History, 33.] (Cardiff: University of Press. Distrib. Chicago 2011. Pp. xiv, 267. $40.00 paperback. ISBN 978-0-7083-2427-1.) There was no more transnational a phenomenon Europe than crusades, although French writers as late Léon Gautier were inclined to see it property their own country’s history. Crusade preached every part Latin Christendom, its pull on peripheral peoples can tell us good deal about how core culture spread interacted with those outside mainstream such diverse Celtic Scandinavian cultures north west. Hurlock’s study impact crusades follows track other studies, Eric Christiansen’s distinguished The Northern Crusades (London, 1997); lan McQuarrie’s Scotland 1095–1560 (Edinburgh, Janus Møller Jensen’s Denmark 1400–1650 (Boston, 2007). has seductive advantage having inspired firsthand account 1188 preaching tour Archbishop Baldwin Canterbury, which framework for writing Gerald Wales’s historical ethnographical masterpiece, Itinerarium Kambriae. A thorough analysis this makes up an entire chapter book, she picks her way through complicated politics Baldwin’s mission even [End Page 118] ethnic political allegiances himself. Preaching crusade involved appealing indigenous colonizing English alike, Gerald’s telling description two groups huddled apart from each listen archbishop’s appeal at Llandaff is rightly famous what reveals. very real, but past present tensions made difficult meet jointly, especially when came direction Canterbury. approach measured meticulous, attempting identify all Anglo-Welsh crusaders sometimes exiguous sources. She offers treatments crusading orders March ideal featured poetry gogynfeirdd (the court poets) translated pseudo-crusades Carolingian epics. Sources are less thin Scotland, maintained vigorous chronicle tradition into fourteenth century. Even so, treatment here becomes threadbare, “possible” participants become drafted thesis who might have been surprised discover they Marcher characters (such Engelger de Bohun, basis that he shared name earls Hereford, Philip d’Aubigny, Leicestershire knight once governor Ludlow). Nonetheless, works intelligently demonstrates if response movement not widespread, certainly wholehearted aspects dominant European culture. Welshmen may seen heard Acre Damietta, one ever rode horse tournament charge heyday great sport, catwalk medieval nobility. Hull, United Kingdom Copyright © 2012 Catholic America Press
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