Synopses & Reviews
This volume examines the nature of aristocratic society in the Spanish kingdoms of León and Castile in the twelfth century. Drawing on an extensive range of original sources, many of them unpublished, it highlights the unrivaled wealth, status and power enjoyed by some members of the aristocracy. It also explores the multifarious roles that lay magnates were expected to fulfill: as family protectors, landlords and judges; as courtiers, diplomats and military commanders; and, not least, as patrons of the church.
Review
"...an engrossing piece of social history, which...is highly suggestive regarding the process whereby an aristocratic class emerged from a disparate array of families and individuals." -- ChoiceSimon Barton's The Aristocracy in Twelfth Century Leon And Castile is a welcome addition to the growing list of recent studies on the Spanish nobility during the central Middle Ages....a very interesting, balanced, and engaging treatment of his subject. Stephen Weinberg, History: Review of New Books"This is a splendid book, destined to become the standard reference volume on the subject for the next quarter of a century." Bernard F. Reilly, Canadian Journal of History"Simon Barton's THe Aristocracy in Twelfth Century León and Castile is an insightful addition to prosopographical historiography." Christin Cleaton, Medieval Prosopography"...a groundbreaking study, informed by a deeply impressive body of research." Simon R. Doubleday, Speculum"...a welcome addition to the small but growing shelf of books on medieval Iberian topics that can be read with profit by all medieval historians and by others interested in medieval social development." Journal of Social History
Synopsis
An examination of the nature and role of the aristocracy in twelfth-century Spain.
Table of Contents
Preface; 1. León and Castile in the twelfth century; 2. Class, family and household; 3. The lineaments of power; 4. The nobility of the crown; 5. A warrior aristocracy; 6. Piety and patronage; Conclusion; Appendices; Bibliography.