<i>Medieval worlds: barbarian, heretics and artists</i> (review)
Constant J. Mews
Reviews 137 at how little help Bernard actually gives his readers. For example, p. 147.5963 (on Waszink 8:7-14, Timaeus 17d, trans. R. G. Bury, Loeb Classical Library VII (1952), 19), provides more than an offhand and (from the point of view meaning) useless reference to a famous line from Vergil which he must simply have been fond (Aeneid 6:853)! Alternative M S . readings source references are given fully economically foot page Appendix I gathers together 'notae platonicae' placed in some after Glosae deriving part, perhaps, Bernard's own researches. Four extracts direct quotations Chalcidius. Altogether afine,definitive volume be alongside Jeaneau's edition WUliam Conches' glosses, as reservoir information on early twelfthcentury Platonism worthy addition growing collection masterly P editions important twelfth-century Latin didactic texts. John. O. Ward Department History University Sydney Borst, Arno, Medieval worlds: barbarian, heretics artists, Eric Hansen, Cambridge, Polity Press, 1991; cloth; pp. xiii, 273; R.R.P. AUS$95.00 [distributed Australia by Allen & Unwin]. Arno Borst takes thinking medieval people seriously. In fourteen essays this volume, translated Hansen with ease fluency Barbaren, Ketzen und Artisten (Munich, 1988), examines attitudes wider range issues book'stitlemight suggest: concept 'barbarian', history languages European thought, notion 'public persona', universal histories, origins witch-craze alps, game theory, patron saints, chivalry, late universities, death. Underlying remarkably diverse reflections runs persistent curiosity classificatory systems authentic responses enduring needs: impose order world, live harmony our neighbours yet retain personal freedom, come terms Borst's earlier publications languages, Cathars, Rithmimachia (Battle-of-Numbers) known English-speaking audiences. But distils erudition about these other subjects form accessible general reader willing share culture manifestation ongoing concerns Europeans intellectual tradition. Each will single out particular interest. The essay invention andfissionof public persona, semantic shift twelfth century away Carolingian identification royal persona 138 throne towards abstract reflection is great originality. historical time writings Abelard idiosyncratic not informed profound specialist knowledge. Yet it succeeds identifying Abelard's sense historicity theological reflection. lecture saints rigourously thought through writing Peter Brown subject antique period but raises questions their multiple roles. tendency anecdotal lectures can lead triviality cases. women art Middle Ages such risk its use few isolated examples. insights quite original, hi 'Science Games' relates fascination number games rediscovery theory post-modern without falling into trap false identifications. He reminds us that long before Wittgenstein, Aquinas Albert Great reflected image hfe, intertwining chance order. absence scholarly apparatus frustrating for those who wish follow up detail argument. Undoubtedly, specialists each many areas touches take issue interpretations. Nonetheless, stands testament humane vision society, raising questions. Constant e w s Monash Boyle, Marjorie O'Rourke, Petrarch's genius: pentimento prophecy, Berkeley/Los Angeles/Oxford, of...
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