Bede and the End of Time, by Peter Darby
R. Sowerby
Medieval ideas about apocalyptic expectation and the end of world came under predictably renewed scrutiny around year 2000, but interest in them still shows no sign diminishing. In this book, a revised version his doctoral thesis, Peter Darby sets out to explore particular vision future expressed by Anglo-Saxon monk Bede (d. 735). As ‘the foremost intellectual figure Church’ (p. 1), extensive corpus theological, historical hagiographical works have always been major subjects for scholarly enquiry. Thanks series recent publications, we are now increasingly able appreciate blend ‘innovation tradition’ (in words one study) that runs right through writing remarkable scholar. respect, many Darby’s findings will come as little surprise reader already familiar with current state ‘Bede scholarship’. three parts investigates Bede’s understanding ages framework’ (the past, present world); ‘Bede’s eschatological vision’ (those things which believed would happen future); perspective’ (Bede’s sense proximity future). each, he discovers prove be ‘ultimately derived from Holy Scripture [and] significantly influenced Church Fathers, particularly Augustine, Gregory Great Jerome’ 124; reiterated on pp. 3–4, 218–19). The value investigation, however, is it often helps us precise mix received ideas, their effects overall outlook. thus recasting Augustinian into more pessimistic Gregorian language (pp. 154–8), purposefully diffusing most urgent statements Book Revelation imminence coming Apocalypse 188–90). It useful discover something afterlife these novel Bedan innovations, degree contemporaries later generations adopted preference those sources; outside Monkwearmouth-Jarrow remains barely glimpsed pages. When does appear, results can illuminating: example, when Aldhelm Laterculus Malalianus brought offer different reckonings 51–64), richer complex impression life early England begins emerge. may acquired status ‘noted expert’ own day 5, 125, 143, 218), recognise distinctive contributions better if could see him context age.
The English Historical Review