Problems and Possibilities of Early Medieval Charters ed. by Jonathan Jarrett and Allan Scott McKinley
Marcus Harmes
Reviewed by: Problems and Possibilities of Early Medieval Charters ed. by Jonathan Jarrett Allan Scott McKinley Marcus K. Harmes Jarrett, McKinley, eds, (International Research, 19), Turnhout, Brepols, 2013; hardback; pp. x, 301; 5 b/w illustrations, 4 tables, 7 line art; R.R.P. €80.00; ISBN 9782503548302. (or the collections them called cartularies) are a major source documentary evidence for early medieval history. But their use interpretation, indeed trajectories they have taken in terms preservation transmission, not straightforward. At least so suggest editors this collection. The chapters present evidentiary analysis charters from range European areas including Anglo-Saxon England, Catalonia during period Carolingian rule, monastic centres Sweden Burgundy. Each turn considers particular charters, yield, problems to historians. geographic under discussion comprise so-called Urkundenlandschaft (‘charter landscape’), where historians can trace norms way were used created across different geographical regions. Several point out that often composed according stock formularies; nonetheless there is significant variety content scribal traditions charter landscape. opening chapter lays potentials using charters. Many though more say about than potential, but do make important points working within limits. Martin Ryan on England before Viking invasions confusions arise part consequence confusion minds people period, fact formulaic record complex legal familial situations both oral written. McKinley’s charts series relationships one family Alsace, again offering caution language structure may reflect any historical uniformity practice. Subsequent urge consideration as ‘narrative’ evidence, narratives, or kind representation social relations, Swedish Cistercians Burgundian scribes. Chapters Burgundy (by Charles West) Jarrett) extent otherwise) cultural influence these some instances retention local usages. Further [End Page 180] investigation royal (in Shigeto Kikuchi) yields honorifics. what cannot be done with while also through often-extensive archival silences draw significance. One such Morn Capper’s relating Mercian kingdom. She dealing rare instance victors written history – case expansionist kings Offa instead Mercians derives conquered. strong comes Alaric Trousdale’s reign monarch Edmund, author notes systematic study witness lists provides means untangling active factions. tentative analyses, pointing many surviving yet been edited into modern editions, nor circumstances creation always clear (were chanceries, instance, other arrangements? Is thing ‘typical’ archive?). collection overall useful demonstration diverse landscape uses provide. University Southern Queensland Copyright © 2014
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