Introduction: the penitential state; 1. Louis the Pious (778–840); 2. Ninth-century narratives; 3. Admonitio, correptio, increpatio; 4. The wages of sin (828–829); 5. Purity and danger (830–831); 6. Scandal and satisfaction (832–834); Epilogue: the penitential state after Louis the Pious.
An evaluation of Emperor Louis the Pious' reign which examines Louis' public penance of 833.
Mayke de Jong is Professor of Medieval History in the Department of History and Art History, University of Utrecht.
'… a profound explication of Carolingian political ideals and
practices as they unfolded primarily between 822 and 840 … [de
Jong] has blended the delight in evoking historical contingency
with her trademark command of Carolingian (religious) culture …
Although this incisive book was penned with specialists in mind …
it has much broader implications.' Hans Hummer, Speculum
'[De Jong] forces readers to reconsider not only Louis's supposed
weakness but also the putative villainy, weakly disguised as piety,
of those who challenged him. De Jong achieves all of this in a book
fully suitable for undergraduates. Summing up: highly recommended.'
C. J. Chandler, Choice
'… meticulously researched … important and thoughtful … De Jong
opens with a long chapter that stands as the best account of
Louis's reign now available … Her deep understanding of this
culture superbly contextualizes the discordant and anguished voices
of 833.' John J. Contreni, The American Historical Review
'… an important and subtle examination of the reign [of Louis the
Pious] … a deft and original evocation of this world of open
criticism … any reassessment [of his reign] will have to be worked
out within the new interpretive framework for the sources staked
out in de Jong's outstanding book.' Simon MacLean, Journal of
Ecclesiastical History
'… an extremely sensitive analysis of the great wealth of narrative
and other sources … This is, in other words, a book at the heart of
an unfolding historiographical movement, much of it inspired in
part or whole by de Jong's earlier path-breaking work in the field.
It is clearly, too, a study which will greatly influence the
development of that field … One finishes this accessible and
enlightening book wanting more.' C. M. A. West, English Historical
Review
'… fascinating … What de Jong does best is to introduce readers
into the world of her authors and their audiences … Throughout,
[she] makes her case by means of close, often line-by-line readings
of her texts … a stimulating book to read, especially for graduate
students.' Kevin Uhalde, The Medieval Review
'Both in the new avenues which it renders accessible and the
clarity of the approach taken towards rhetoric, ritual and
practice, de Jong's study deserves to be influential and widely
read. A truly considered statement, her book is both the essential
guide to Louis's troubles and a model exploration of early medieval
ritual and political culture.' David Pratt, Early Medieval Europe
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
