Memories in Multi-Ethnic Societies: Cohesion in Multi-Ethnic Societies in Europe from c. 1000 to the Present, I ed. by Przemysław Wiszewski
Nicholas D. Brodie
Reviewed by: Memories in Multi-Ethnic Societies: Cohesion Societies Europe from c. 1000 to the Present, I ed. by Przemysław Wiszewski Nicholas D. Brodie Wiszewski, Przemysław, ed., (Early European Research, 15), Turnhout, Brepols, 2020; hardback; pp. 424; 21 b/w illustrations; R.R.P. €110.00; ISBN 9782503588902. In this volume's preface editor asks: 'why have we focused on conflicts, while neglecting traces of mutual help, or at least peaceful coexistence?' (p. 12). The essays book all, some way, seek answer that question and provide alternative windows into multi-ethnicity Europe's past. This collection therefore offers a multifaceted examination multi-ethnic histories historiographies. It is arranged three parts look deep ethnic memories; phenomenon multi-ethnicism political unities; role ethnicity forming nations their historiographical narratives. A fourth part final case study relatively modern times much more richly documented context, wherein Joanna Wojdon explores similar themes those emerged earlier volume looking 'Polonia' United States America chart formation cultivation distinct identity. worth noting Polish history particularly well represented volume, as eastern central Europe, Iberian Peninsula, western Mediterranean. section devoted questions retrospectivity forms first volume. Using Carolingian Italy study, Aneta Pieniądz highlights importance examining borderland situations seeing historical its place an identifier, but not necessary main identifier use any given context. Examining two medieval Hungarian texts within extensive discussion, Dániel Bagi shows that, representing differently, both nonetheless do affirm fact history. Exploring 'the way memory groups was preserved communicated narrative other written sources' 74) Transylvania, Cosmin Popa-Gorjanu focuses attack upon [End Page 268] cathedral Alba Iulia 1277 shifting ways which event subsequently represented. Interested lines between religious confession Czech humanist historiography, Jan Zdichynec points out group gradually radicalized, often confrontation with neighbouring German element' 108), also demonstrates underlying interest threads behaviour common rival confessions. Complementing this, Isabell Grifoll situation Aragon ideological positioning Crown Church problem Islam' 133) created state expansion demographic shifts. State-formation similarly forefront Wiszewski's Silesian whose analysis pictorial manuscript evidence suggests regional past intended teach value acceptance diversity one cultural foundations Silesians' 155). Finally, concludes Luís da Fonseca's Portuguese encounters indigenous peoples Atlantic, he extends Schwartz's notion 'implicit understandings' posit idea ethnography' 174) lens through view such encounters. Issues imagined pasts, domination, unity are addressed comprising second part. Drawing investigation chancery records, Paula Pinto Costa Cristina Pimenta examine communication policy court King Joaõ I' 185) respecting Muslim Jewish communities Portugal. Jurgita Šiaučiūnaitė-Verbickienė looks legal administrative sources explore confessional matters Grand Duchy Lithuania, revealing exclusionary trends. Dovile Troskovaite Lithuania detailed Karaites eventual emergence 'a fully finished corresponded needs self-perception community' 253). Andrzej Pleszcyński maintains focus an...
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