<i>Unjust Seizure: Conflict, Interest, and Authority in an Early Medieval Society</i> (review)
Andrew Gillett
Reviews 163 Parergon 21.1 (2004) The inclusion of footnotes in the Introduction would have been helpful (along lines of, for example, TEAMS book on peasants). While some parts are simply general background features and definitions medieval monasticism, there other sections where argument is more specific pointed. Given that this a explicitly students, it shame opportunity was missed to model use footnoting explicit argument. Some precise referencing might also give students better sense different scholars sit debates, particularly given list suggested further readings at end unannotated. has glossary end, economic, agricultural, religious terms defined. suggestions reading points out fairly small but nonetheless good selection books articles. Students who were new study female monasticism find these enough set them their way research although, again, annotations make easier beginners use. Interestingly, focuses nuns general, rather than Cistercian order specifically, thus reflecting view when comes women’s lives just as many similarities between monastic orders differences. Elizabeth Freeman School History Classics University Tasmania Brown, Warren, Unjust Seizure: Conflict, Interest, Authority an Early Medieval Society, Ithaca London, Cornell Press, 2001; cloth; pp. xvi, 224; RRP £25.95; ISBN 0-8014-3790-3. This book’s virtue sets investigate aspects what meant be conquered early Middle Ages. Brown examines reactions land-holding nobility Bavaria incorporation into Carolingian empire, following Charlemagne’s take-over region 787. To do he exploits hundred-odd charters preserved part chartulary seven times size by cathedral Freising. majority ‘unjust seizures’ invoked title involve church Freising protecting its claims property, documenting successes charters. Well-known German Austrian scholars, impressive source little used Anglophone scholarship; provides service drawing attention contents. 164 Nominally duchy under Merovingian monarchs Gaul, one peripheral regions Francia which had long since become effectively autonomous, ruled Agilolfing dynasty dukes. Their failure acknowledge overlordship precipitated characteristically effective military reaction. ‘Direct’ royal rule imposed form appointments secular ecclesiastic office holders, visitations missi, roving agents acted something like ombudsmen ensure regional governors accordance with centrist ideals. frames his Bavarian anthropological models dispute settlement conqueror-conquered interaction. His work continuation recent scholarship conflict resolution (e.g. Wendy Davies Paul Fouracre [ed.], Settlement Disputes Europe [Cambridge, 1986]). viewed not regard administrative structure, light , turn, social dynamics noble society (inevitably only class voice historical record period). lengthy first chapter seeks establish ‘norms’ within eighth century, prior annexation. subsequent, slimmer chapters then compare procedures during eight decades 854. pre-Carolingian patterns – through feud violence, ducal intervention, especially episcopal negotiation potentially cut across ambitions intent impose royally-constituted judicial assemblies ‘officeholding authority figures’ mediation judgement. But will surprise no familiar current learn that...
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