Letters of the Christian intellectual: Alcuin and his epistolary heritage
Anastasia Ilyina
The article examines the epistolary legacy (numbering more than three hundred letters) of Alcuin York, perhaps most prominent figure so-called Carolingian Renaissance, a famous associate Charlemagne. Comparison Alcuin’s letters with samples late antique epistolography makes it possible to trace degree continuity cultural and social practices pagan Antiquity Christian Middle Ages. In addition, reference correspondence look into inner world intellectual, get acquainted issues problems that occupy minds his contemporaries, build scheme network communication understand how far spiritual influence extended in Europe which layers he communicated. Setting goal identifying characteristic features intellectual community at turn VIII—IX centuries on basis analysis heritage, author defines geographical boundaries circulation letters, identifies succession from ancient tradition, analyzes main raised letters. To achieve this goal, uses historical anthropological approach elements semiotic analysis. traditions is reflected, first all, form way they were written, use stable rhetorical techniques. At same time, attention drawn change portrait address and, due this, expansion circle addressees, now includes not only representatives highest secular church elite, but also nsufficiently educated ignoble people, for whom acted as father mentor. shows awareness responsibility fate addressees determines subject matter many are devoted explaining responsibilities certain members community, defining area laity clergy, constructing image an ideal clergyman or righteous layman.
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