Rulers and Ruling Families in Early Medieval Europe: Alfred, Charles the Bald and Others (Routledge Revivals) - Softcover

Nelson, Janet L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 036719774X ISBN 13: 9780367197742

Publisher: Routledge, 2021

Synopsis

First published in 1999, the ideas and practices involved in early medieval 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 analysed 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.

About this title

About the Author

Janet L. Nelson

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 036719774X
• ISBN 13: 9780367197742
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 344