Before the Gregorian Reform: The Latin Church at the Turn of the First Millennium by John Howe
Uta-Renate Blumenthal
Reviewed by: Before the Gregorian Reform: The Latin Church at Turn of First Millennium by John Howe Uta-Renate Blumenthal Millennium. By Howe. (Ithaca and London: Cornell University Press. 2016. Pp. xiv, 353; 44 illustrations two maps. $33.95 paperback. ISBN: 78080142801452895.) Howe's remarkable book, Reform, intends to illuminate fate Europe from Viking invasions threshold pontificate Pope Leo IX (1049–1054), a that placed papacy in center Reform. paradigm "Reform," author explains, is "Black Hole" (p. 9) accepting all kinds definitions. He himself wishes present post-Carolingian post-invasion indications non-papal developments throughout society. In process he tries reinsert into general revival West 6). Accordingly, book cover aspects western society period late eighth mid-eleventh century omitting, however, any discussion political institutional developments. turns particular material culture, such as architecture, using Romanesque churches France example. Many changes related Church, liturgy, creation books Hours, splendor ecclesiastical garments, saints' presentations Sainte Foy Abbey Conques, well festivals, pilgrimages, innovations were ushered "creative" destructions. led, according author, last not least "feudal revolution" way internal fortifications defensive Motte-and-bailey castles knights (pp. 54, 56, 57). volume was nearly twenty years making 1), addressed medievalists reader interested medieval church history [End Page 203] 10). For this reason explains some basic principles, uses "modern language" even if leads misunderstandings. There is, for instance, his use terms Germany, though entities so described convey little meaning these terms. map 60) makes up extent. same context it should be mentioned expression "millennial Church" used frequently, but only because "it simpler label than 'the tenth- early eleventh-century Church'" 12). It seems nonetheless odd see reference invading Magyars tenth jihadis 47). takes caused Vikings subsequent evolution task complicated vast, survey fills noteworthy gap development Europe. analysis; readers have rely on very extensive, detailed footnotes accompany many seemingly innocuous statements. An excellent feature helpful black white addition concludes with an index bibliography. Both scholars broader public will grateful learned pick hints regarding hitherto neglected history. Catholic America (Emerita) Copyright © 2022 Press
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