Andrew J. Romig. Be a Perfect Man: Christian Masculinity and the Carolingian Aristocracy.
Mathew Kuefler
“Be a perfect man” is the advice ninth-century Frankish noblewoman Dhuoda of Septimania gave to her son. In Be Perfect Man: Christian Masculinity and Carolingian Aristocracy, Andrew J. Romig analyzes varied meanings male perfection in wide range writers literary genres from late eighth early tenth centuries. It not long book, but manages link his topic fascinating ways history emotions, conflict cooperation between laymen clergymen, shifting notions sanctity kingship, even controversies over predestination. The book divided into five chapters, each which focuses on clearly delineated theme investigates neat group comparable authors texts. first chapter provides theological background issues. Augustine Hippo Gregory Great helped establish an ideal “Christian ascetic manhood” (15), as seen example Martin Tours. But, contrast other patristic writers, their man was divorced world actively engaged it transforming it—yet still remaining somewhat apart it. believes Latin word caritas, he translates “love God neighbor” (39), gets at heart this ideal, though variety virtues typified sort man, such pietas (piety) misericordia (mercy). offers modern notion empathy order explicate ideal. A loving pious might participate violence, suggested, or become civic leader, argued, if circumstances times demanded
The American Historical Review