The Church and the Two Nations in Medieval Ireland (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Third Series) [Hardcover]

J. A. Watt (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 2, 1970 | Series: Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Third Series (Book 3)

This book examines the way in which the central English government dealt with Irish ecclesiastical matters from the time of the invasion and partial conquest of Ireland by Henry II in 1171 up to the Statute of Kilkenny. The struggle involved the king, the clergy in Ireland, both Irish and English, and the pope. Using manuscript material and printed sources, which have not been previously used for this purpose, Dr Watt shows how an attempt was made to ‘colonize’ Ireland by ecclesiastical means, and traces the changing fates and fortunes of the ‘two nations’ in their relations with one another. Dr Watt also deals very fully with the rôle played in the struggle by the religious orders, particularly the Cistercians and the friars, and with the effect which the English common law had on the Irish clergy.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This book examines the way in which the central English government dealt with Irish ecclesiastical matters from the time of the invasion and partial conquest of Ireland by Henry II in 1171 up to the Statute of Kilkenny. Using manuscript material and printed sources, which have not been previously used for this purpose, Dr Watt shows how an attempt was made to ‘colonize’ Ireland by ecclesiastical means, and traces the changing fates and fortunes of the ‘two nations’ in their relations with one another.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 267 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; First edition (November 2, 1970)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521077389
• ISBN-13: 978-0521077385
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,481,038 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars J.A. Watt Doesn't Disappoint, August 10, 2011

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This review is from: The Church and the Two Nations in Medieval Ireland (Cambridge Studies in Medieval Life and Thought: Third Series) (Hardcover)

This book is a classic in the study of 12th century Ireland. Watt provides a great overview of the impact of the Anglo-Norman "invasion" of Ireland on the native Irish Church. I suggest this book to anyone with an interest in medieval Ireland, Irish Christianity, the Angevin Empire, colonialism, or ecclesiastical reform, either to get a bearing in the period or to add to your library.