The Book of Emperors: A Translation of the Middle High German Kaiserchronik ed. and trans. by Henry A. Myers
Leanne Good
Reviewed by: The Book of Emperors: A Translation the Middle High German Kaiserchronik ed. and trans. by Henry A. Myers Leanne Good Kaiserchronik, (Morgantown: West Virginia University Press 2013) 398 pp. (ca. 1152–1165), a popular history written for lay audience in verse, remains rich resource philologists scholars intellectual history. It contains lively accounts imperial deeds, from Julius Caesar’s exploits Germany to Conrad III’s decision embark on [End Page 212] Second Crusade. longest work before 1200, it exists today thirty-three surviving manuscripts fragments, attesting its wide circulation long influence over many centuries. Two continuations were composed thirteenth century, addition versions prose an attempted translation into Latin. Emperors is first full English, nearly fifty-year project undertaken Myers. based Edward Schröder’s critical edition, which gave precedence oldest extant version work, Vorau Manuscript 1185–1190). (See Schröder, ed., Die eines Regensburger Geistlichen [Hanover 1892; repr. Darmstadt 1964 1969]; [Vorau, Stiftsbibliothek, Codex 276] housed Augustinian monastery Austria). Although text’s prologue names as source unidentified vernacular chronicle, doubtful that such existed. Rather, he cites prior scholarship showing unknown author’s reliance saintly legends, sermons, didactic tracts. Additional sources include Annolied, chronicle Ekkehard Aura, Chronicon Wirzeburgense. brief introduction indicating probable precedes each vignette. presents his with extended narrative literary production political theory. He makes case role promoting ideology Holy Roman rising mercantile class, placing context struggles between papacy court, threatened undermine mutually beneficial status each. Concordat Worms (1122) put Investiture Controversy rest, issues versus ecclesiastical authority arose conflict continued be defining feature landscape high medieval period. states will tell stories “the kings—both good bad—who lived us guided Empire down this very day” (65). Thus, portrays emperors twelfth century successors emperors. considered single author, most likely cleric Regensburg writing under sponsorship either Bishop Regensburg, or Wittelsbach counts. Otto V (d. 1155) had been singled out attack world Freising, perhaps giving him reason support alternative Regensburg. His son, VI, served Frederick Barbarossa was made duke Bavaria 1180 result, establishing dynasty. therefore might have interested sponsoring laymen growing influence. As emphasizes, value lies ideas, accessible unversed argues also mirror princes, relying heavily material sermons clarified ruler. Whether given emperor described depended whether carried judgments according law; poor rulers are portrayed neglecting justice avoiding their 213] responsibility governance, well holding nobility contempt. term “emperor” reserved pagan those Christian...
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