by Fiona J. Griffiths (2007)
"In The Garden of Delights, Fiona J. Griffiths offers the first major study of the Hortus deliciarum, a magnificently illuminated manuscript of theology, biblical history, and canon law written both by and explicitly for women at the end of the twelfth century. In so doing she provides a persuasive new reading of female monastic culture. Through careful analysis of the contents, structure, and organization of the Hortus, Griffiths argues for women's profound engagement with the spiritual and intellectual vitality of the period on a level previously thought unimaginable, overturning the assumption that women were largely excluded from the "renaissance" and "reform" of this period."--Jacket. Griffiths (history, New York University) presents an important study of the Hortus deliciarum, a magnificently illustrated manuscript compiled under the direction of Abbess Herrad of Hohenbourg. Destroyed during the Prussian siege of Strasbourg in 1870, the Hortus was a selection of authoritative theological, biblical, and legal texts, woven together into a challenging theological curriculum. Skillfully reconstructed from notes and tracings, the Hortus presents readers with a valuable witness to the daily life and theological education of 12th-century monastic women, and helps answer questions about the role of women in the 12th-century monastic reform movement. The Hortus also provided the women of Hohenbourg with a supplement--or even a replacement--to the theological education provided by the priests attached to the community, a degree of autonomy reflected in Herrad's own position as abbess of an independent female monastic community. The Hortus is a monument to women's roles in 12th-century intellectual discourse, and Griffiths captures the enthusiastic engagement of women during this era of ecclesiastical reform and renaissance. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-level undergraduates through faculty/researchers. Upper-division Undergraduates; Graduate Students; Researchers/Faculty. Reviewed by J.M.B. Porter.
Veronica Ortenberg
A study of the connections between the English and continental Churches during the 10th and 11th centuries. The author draws on a range of sources to establish the strong and continual links between England and the countries of Christian Europe.
Philippa Gregory
the breathtaking tale of Elizabeth Woodville, the woman whose beauty besotted a king Edward IV and won her a crown. Their love was worthy of legend and plunged the country deeper into chaos and later splendor. The first of Gregory's trilogy, the book captivated us with England's infamous civil war, where power was coveted by all, trust was a privilege, love forged in secret and both sides believed they were aided by God. At last we see the other side of the story, written by those often eclipsed by their male relations, for men go to battle but women wage war
Andrew Louth
"This volume gives an account of the Church in the period from the end of the Sixth Ecumenical Synod in 681 to the Battle of Manzikert in 1071. Although "Greek East" and "Latin West" are becoming distinct entities during this expanse of time, the author treats them in parallel, observing the points at which their destinies coincide or conflict. The author notes developments within the whole of the Church rather than striving simply, or even primarily, to explain the eventual schism between Eastern and Western Christendom. Coveriing events both unique to each part (the Iconoclastic controversy in the East and the rise of the Carolingian Empire in the West) and common to each part (monastic reform, renaissance, and mission) the author skillfully portrays two Christian civilizations that share much in common yet become increasingly incomprehensible to one another. Despite curious synchronisms between East and West, the author demonstrates how two paths diverged from a once common route, and how eventually Byzantine Orthodoxy defined the Greek East over and against the Latin West in theological, religious, cultural, and political terms." -- Provided by publisher.
Neil MacGregor
Neil MacGregor's radio series 'A History of the World in 100 Objects' has been a unique event that has set a benchmark for public service broadcasting in the UK and across the world. This book will be the tie-in to that event, reproducing the scripts describing the objects that made us who we are.