Britain and Ireland 900-1300: Insular Responses to Medieval European Change (review)
Andrea F. Jones
REVIEWS Brendan Smith, Britain and Ireland 900–1300: Insular Responses to Medieval European Change (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press 1999) 283 pp. Within the context of a growing interest in British—as opposed strictly Eng- lish—history, this volume undertakes survey cross-currents between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales during earlier portion medie- val period. As Robert Bartlett, one book’s contributors, has pointed out, tenth through fourteenth centuries were vitally important period “the Europeanization Europe”; they also crucial nego- tiation power culture among component parts British Isles. Considering complexity range collection, it is wonder that book manages be so remarkably clear coherent. Containing ten articles by some foremost historians, valuable addition studies period—and scholar’s bookshelf. The first article most problematic, though still out- standing. Alfred P. Smyth’s “The effect Scandinavian raiders on English Irish churches: preliminary reassessment” refutes arguments revi- sionist historians with regard Vikings, who profoundly changed course history beginning late eighth century. Though Smyth convincing demonstrating revisionists’ manipulation historical evi- dence downplay both size Viking raiding parties violence inflicted, he does, perhaps, protest too much. He dismisses claims raids led revitalization economy expansion international trade noting Northmen did not operate charities for benefit their victims” (3). Furthermore, asserts Vikings effec- tively destroyed large portions monastic church Isles, helped promote downfall Carolingian world, “acceler- ated militarization Christianity Germany, Francia resulting active participation churchmen battlefield Christian ideology vis-a-vis non-Christian neighbours” (35). This last statement, which seems border blaming behavior Christians such matters as atrocities Crusades or persecution Jews, rather questionable. And although cor- rect revisionists ignore deny extensive destruction wreaked turn simply what can construed positive results depredations—economic growth emergence more global outlook Britain. In end, truth proba- bly lies somewhere views opposes his own characterization “warriors erupting out prehistory North, whose descendants than two later lan- guishing state bloody barbarism at Old Uppsala” (38). Benjamin T. Hudson’s changing Sea province” an excellent overview subject picks up where left off, degree counteracts him describing role played eleventh century boom, could “resemble lake” (43). However, early cen- tury, increased involvement merchants from south resulted
Comitatus-a Journal of Medieval and Renaissance Studies