Writing Early Medieval Biography
Janet L. Nelson
Janet L. Nelson begins with some reflections on biography generally, and modern biographers' task how they set about it, using the example of Hermione Lee Virginia Woolf. She then addresses question whether/how an early medieval person might be writeable. argues that it is, provided there is a relatively large amount available information certain kinds - specifically (a) in variety genres; (b) including first-hand material emanating from subject him/herself; (c) covering different phases life question, especially childhood old age; (d) revealing subject's inner life, something his or her sexuality religious beliefs values; (e) enabling biographer to establish significant links between individual his/her historical context. Taking case Charlemagne, for whom was recently claimed no biogrpahy possible, JLN indeed sufficient these kinds. discusses Charlemagne's relationships parents sense identity own family as Frank; sexual children; religiosity its impact political agenda, later years, which arguably written/dictated by Charlemagne himself.
History workshop journal