History, Scripture, and Authority in the Carolingian Empire
Graeme Ward
This book offers a detailed analysis of the work ninth-century historian Frechulf Lisieux. Completed c. 830, Frechulf’s Histories comprise vast account world from its creation through to seventh century. Despite richness source, it has long been overlooked by modern scholars. Two factors for this neglect: narrative stops over two centuries short his time writing, and was largely compilation earlier, late antique histories chronicles. It is, however, lack ostensibly ‘contemporary’ or ‘original’ material that makes text so typical, not only Carolingian historiography but also theological literature more broadly. In examining Frechulf's historiographical compendium, challenges dominant paradigm within medieval studies understanding history-writing primarily as an extension politics power. By focusing instead on transmission reception patristic knowledge, authoritative texts, relationship between study history scriptural exegesis, reveals be unexpectedly rich artefact intellectual culture.
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