Customer Reviews

Massacre at Montsegur: A History of the Albigensian Crusade

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I read this due to a broader interest in the period and theme it addresses: heresy, circa 1207-1244 AD, in southern France. The primary sources for the period seem to be somewhat limited and one-sided, history being written by the winners, etc., resulting in a less than fluid presentation, which starts off with considerable verve and enthusiasm, but somehow plods rather methodically toward the end. This is probably an easier period for a theologian to tackle than someone attempting to maintain historical credentials. The author initially takes a very supportive attitude toward the Albigensians - the Cathari - but of course they get wiped out in the end, more or less, so from a purely structural point of view, it is a difficult narrative position to sustain, and does not lead up to any sort of philosophical summation as to how this era of heresy emerged, what followed it, or what it meant in the larger history of western Europe. The book has an extensive collection of references to people and families, which would have been better presented in an appendix. I spent half my reading time studying maps, attempting to assemble a geographic continuity for the text - with mixed results. I suggest two French road maps for accompaniment, one at 1:1,000,000 and one at 1:600,000. The fortress of Montsegur would have benefitted from a scaled floor plan to accompany the speculations concerning its architecture. In general, I think the anti-Roman-Catholic theme which which the book starts could have been sustained throughout, and would have lent greater unity to the book. I read the entire book, and was informed by doing so, but I think a more consistent development of thematic material would have yielded a better and more emphatic book.

This is a well written and researched book which combines history with narrative. Although sources of the period are limited the author has approached the events of the Albegesian Crusade methodically and logically. Explaining the Cathar faith as well as the regional and national political influences and there variance with the Church of Rome add intrigue and bring to life the tightrope that the Counts of Toulose had to walk. Simon de Montforts role, activities and demise are well documented as is the role of he Dominicans, and their stubborn and dogmatic experience as Inquisitors. Finally the brutality towards, the stoicism of and the ultimate tradgedy and futile struggle of the Cathar faith against a seemingly omnipotent Roman Church illustrates all the personal attributes the make a good story. It's all here, from cowardice to heroism and from honesty to hypocrisy, that even today we see in the 3 Estates . A very good historical read and strongly recommended for those interested in the Crusades. The lack of maps would be my only criticism, but this could be easily remedied.

I enjoyed this nicely written history of the Crusades and Inquisition in 12th and 13th century Southern France. This book was best when describing the political problems of the southern feudal barons and the Counts of Toulouse. The Counts, Raymond VI and VII, are forever caught between the nationalist views of their governed (many of them Cathar heretics) and the Roman Catholic Church.

The book is well-written and flows nicely through the interesting exploits of St. Dominic, Simon de Montfort, several of the Popes, bishops, and papal legates. Interesting stories about the founder of the Dominican order and his passion for preaching are found here. (Also read about the grisly death of de Montfort after a long period of seeming invincibility.)

The book could be improved by adding maps, as the geographical information regarding Southern France is quite substantial.

I would also say that the author does offer many opinions along the way, mostly in support of the Cathars, but they do not add up to a terribly cohesive whole. I expect to read some additional books on the subject of the Crusades and the Inquisition with the hope of gaining additional insights and opinions.

Ms. Oldenbourg sets out in what I considered a catholic-apologist style, but one clearly leaning away from the 13th century Church. Her tale of the generations of Counts of Toulouse and thier various enemies: the Church, characterized by Pope Innocent III and Simon de Montfort, a brilliant tactician, and the French King (and later Regency) is less than gripping. The events should be read and discussed, for they are fascinating. But Ms. Oldenbourg throws out opinion after opinion, giving a full page of "oh, woe!" after a particularly gruesome murder by a bishop.

If you are a schoolteacher, you will bore your students to death. If you absolutely love history, you can get through this book and learn a great deal; the sections describing the Catharist heresy (chapter 4?) and the beginnings of the Inquisition (chapter 11) were definitely informative.

If you have to, read this book. If not, read something else.