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Rulers and Ruling Families in Early Medieval Europe: Alfred, Charles the Bald and Others

Hardback

Main Details

Title Rulers and Ruling Families in Early Medieval Europe: Alfred, Charles the Bald and Others
Authors and Contributors      By (author) Janet L. Nelson
SeriesVariorum Collected Studies
Physical Properties
Format:Hardback
Pages:346
Category/GenreGenealogy, heraldry, names and honours
ISBN/Barcode 9780860788027
ClassificationsDewey:940.10922
Audience
Undergraduate
Postgraduate, Research & Scholarly
Professional & Vocational

Publishing Details

Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Imprint Variorum
Publication Date 28 July 1999
Publication Country United Kingdom

Description

The ideas and practices involved in early mediaeval royal family politics are the central theme of this collection of papers by Janet L. Nelson. She first examines King Alfred of Wessex (871-99) in the context of Anglo-Saxon conditions and in comparison with his Carolingian contemporaries. When tension and conflict within the royal family are highlighted, she argues that Alfred's talents and political thought emerge the more impressively. A second group of papers deals with the reign of Charles the Bald (840-77): his patronage of learning and his interest in Spanish martyrs are set in political context, while contemporary historiography is considered as a form of counsel and critique. The third section reflects Nelson's growing interest in the political importance and gendered roles of royal women. Consecration rites are analyzed as ritual expressions and factors in the shaping of the queenship, while two final papers also examine the making and unmaking of Frankish kings and princes.

Author Biography

Janet L. Nelson, King's College, London, UK

Reviews

'The appearance of a new collection of essays from Professor Nelson merely needs to be signalled for its importance to be apparent.' Reviews in History