<i>The Long Morning of Medieval Europe: New Directions in Early Medieval Studies</i> (review)
Gregory I. Halfond
Reviewed by: The Long Morning of Medieval Europe: New Directions in Early Studies Gregory Halfond Studies. Edited by Jennifer R. Davis and Michael McCormick. (Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing Company. 2008. Pp. xx, 345. $99.95. ISBN 978-0-754-66254-9.) In 2007, the History Channel, perhaps most influential outlet for popular history United States, aired Dark Ages, a documentary on early-medieval Europe. program's title served as depressing reminder to professional medievalists wide gulf between scholarly impressions this period. McCormick have now published proceedings 2004 conference held at Harvard University Europein an attempt demonstrate sophistication both society diverse methodologies employed scholars As declare their introduction individual contributions attest, early Middle Ages was no Age, even less objectionable sense period poorly represented historical record. Moreover, its glories were not simply moldy remnants superior Roman past but also true innovations. This thesis is ably convincingly demonstrated essays, which are grouped under five topical rubrics: economy, religion, literature, politics, art. Synergy provided McCormick's introductory essays each section, lucidly place within common historiographical framework provide linkage sections. Concluding section authored other participants offer critical perspective papers. quality uniformly strong. Those that focus methodology, example, reveal medievalists' impressive new avenues research. essay surveys information biomolecular archaeology, including previously inaccessible data about human diet, migration peoples, spread infectious diseases. Of particular interest historians Guy Philappart Michel Trigalet's contribution fascinating description ongoing database project eventually will consist 10,000 hagiographical works 3320 saints, aims quantitative evidence Christian sanctity third fifteenth centuries. Other challenge conventional wisdom variety disciplinary fronts. Joachim Henning, argues dynamic farmstead model peasant emerged Western Europe following disappearance authority, brought premature end emergent estate system Carolingian Empire, change, he argues, instigated economic stagnation. Similarly controversial, Riccardo Francovich challenges traditional narrative incastellamentoin Italy, employing archaeological argue seventh- eighth-century Tuscan settlements already nucleated focused hilltops, appearance aristocrats [End Page 789]these communities occurred later. Still contributors investigate neglected corners culture, such Paul Dutton's examination blood rain "cultural experience," Joaquín Martínez Pizarro's reading Historia Wambaas exercise political damage control, Mayke de Jong's search symbolism Charlemagne's solarium. Although majority promote editors' stated goal demonstrating dynamism early-medievalist scholarship, well blatant unsuitability epithet "Dark Age," it doubtful they hold much appeal or meaning nonspecialist audience, despite inclusion introductions. shame, only because anthology components desperate need work can change public perceptions deeply misunderstood For we must continue wait. Framingham State College Copyright © 2009 Catholic America Press
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