Synopses & Reviews
The concept of nobility in the middle ages is the focus of this volume. Embracing regions as diverse as England (before and after the Norman Conquest), Italy, the Iberian peninsula, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the Romano-German empire, it ranges over the whole medieval period from the fifth to the early sixteenth century. The articles confront many of the central issues about the origins and nature of 'nobility', its relationship with the late Roman world, its acquisition and exercise of power, its association with military obligation, and its gradual 'pacification' and transformation into a more or less willing instrument of royal government.
Synopsis
The great strength of this collection is its wide range...a valuable work for anyone interested in the social aspects of the medieval nobility. CHOICE Articles on the origins and nature of 'nobility', its relationship with the late Roman world, its acquisition and exercise of power, its association with military obligation, and its transformation into a more or less willing instrument of royal government. Embracing regions as diverse as England (before and after the Norman Conquest), Italy, the Iberian peninsula, France, Norway, Poland, Portugal, and the Romano-German empire, it ranges over the whole medieval period from the fifth to the early sixteenth century. Contributors: STUART AIRLIE, MARTIN AURELL, T. N. BISSON, PAUL FOURACRE, PIOTR GORECKI, MARTIN H. JONES, STEINAR IMSEN, REGINE LE JAN, JANET N. NELSON, TIMOTHY A REUTER, JANE ROBERTS, MARIA JOAO VIOLANTE BRANCO, JENNIFER C. WARD
Synopsis
Ruling classes excite the passions but the reasons for their ascendancy are often prosaic. Here, varied 'nobilities' from Rome to the renaissance, and from all parts of western Europe, come under scrutiny, particularly for their acquisition and exercise of power, their association with military obligation, and their role as instruments of royal government. The great strength of this collection is its wide range... a valuable work for anyone interested in the social aspects of the medieval nobility. Choice