Rulers and Ruling Families in Early Medieval Europe: Alfred, Charles the Bald, and Others (Variorum Collected Studies Series, Cs 657) [Hardcover]

Janet L. Nelson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1999 | ISBN-10: 0860788024 | ISBN-13: 978-0860788027

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.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English, French

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Variorum (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0860788024
• ISBN-13: 978-0860788027
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,762,224 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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