L’Italia delle civitates. Grandi e Piccoli centri fra Medioevo e Rinascimento, by Giorgio Chittolini
Luca Zenobi
This volume, edited by Pierre Bauduin and Marie-Agnès Lucas-Avenel, presents thirteen essays based on conference papers from the annual colloquium Norman studies held at Cerisy-la-Salle (in conjunction with Scriptorial d’Avranches) alongside a preface, introduction conclusion. Abstracts are provided in French English. The aim of collection is to consider relationship between historical writing associated Normans during Middle Ages classical, biblical Carolingian sources, under four headings: (1) transmission tradition; (2) subject history; (3) representation power through consideration key figures; (4) forms writing, an emphasis continuity revivals. Key questions here how medieval authors used previous material frame experiences Normans, modern historians shape their research. first section contains Rosamond McKitterick, Monique Peyrafort-Huin Bouet. McKitterick examines use history using knowledge Einhard’s Life Charlemagne Frankish annals as primary examples. She concludes that for eleventh- twelfth-century writers, past was very distant, passing into realm legend. histories themselves did not enjoy wide circulation Normandy. Both Bouet focus holdings monastic libraries. revisits work collections undertaken scholars, notably Geneviève Nortier, reconstruct catalogues. makes cogent case including information early Maurist catalogues order identify potential lost texts classical authors. As she acknowledges, this much progress, but initial results indicate greater number works known or copies eleventh twelfth centuries. tackles library Mont-Saint-Michel Bibliothèque municipale Avranches, again manuscripts. His essay, like Peyrafort-Huin, supplemented several detailed appendices. reveal concentration exegetical patristic over secular histories, though contained Aristotle books law. however, were less concerned even models own work.
The English Historical Review