<i>Codex Carolinus: Päpstliche Epistolographie im 8. Jahrhundert</i> (review)
Uta-Renate Blumenthal
Reviewed by: Codex Carolinus: Päpstliche Epistolographie im 8. Jahrhundert Uta-Renate Blumenthal Jahrhundert. By Achim Thomas Hack. [Päpste und Papsttum, Band 35/I 35/II.] (Stuttgart: Anton Hiersemann. 2006, 2007. Pp. xx, 1290. Vol. 1: ISBN 978-3-777-20621- 9; Vol 2: 978-3-777-20701-8.) The detailed examination in two volumes of the ninety-nine papal letters addressed to Carolingian rulers between years 739 and 791 collected by royal command Carolinus is primarily designed author as a study elements early-medieval epistolography. Formulary are focus here: those that may or not differentiate from other types texts such general documents, privileges, historical narratives—a science has been much neglected. direct discussion itself (used MGH edition W. Grundlach with occasional references its facsimile F. Unterkircher possible continuation MS HAB Helmstadensis 254 at Wolfenbüttel ten Pope Leo III Charlemagne [p.133]) seems make up relatively minor part book (pp. 59–96; 869–928). But this impression deceptive, for these form constant background Hack’s vast investigation history letter role network communication stretching antiquity end ninth century. Communication understood widest imaginable sense, encompassing classical diplomatics, rhetoric literature, history, philology, liturgy, anthropology, sociology, diplomacy rituals agents, economics. It expressed most spectacular manner through exchanges gifts reflected correspondence rulers, including Queen Bertrada on behalf her son. considers it desirable compare Carolinus—compiled, preface [End Page 349] indicates, request Charlemagne—to all extant parallel sources eighth century 56–57), but restricts himself exclusively pragmatic reasons analysis comparison register Gregory Great St. Boniface (then bishop Mainz) his eventual successor, Lul. Another important primary source Liber Pontificalis. results fascinating. As Hack eventually explains—specifically regard gifts—early-medieval late-antique traditions have usually left only thin traces can be evaluated comparative approach (p. 822). difficult task convey rich contents an extensive historiography each topic short review. An their wealth conveyed list appendices 930–1058): protocol eschatocol time III; Carolingians Charles Martell Louis Pious; summaries (Regesten) lost papal, royal, third-party deduced text survived; manuscript; prosopography Frankish emissaries; mentioned Great, collection Lul, Carolinus. Three valuable tables follow appendices: concordance manuscript editions, date Codex, Jahrbücher des Fränkischen Reiches 1059–89). This followed abbreviations bibliography organized 1095–1107); secondary 1108–1235); subdivided registers, cited. impressive work significant addition scholarship age provides new insights regarding perennially debated issues relationship papacy empire. entirely free spelling errors, does affect care attention detail them essential...
Catholic Historical Review