A People's Church: Medieval Italy and Christianity, 1050-1300

A People's Church brings together a distinguished international group of historians to provide an introduction to Christian religious life and institutions in medieval Italy, highlighting the unique aspects of medieval Christianity on the Italian peninsula and its shared beliefs and practices with other Christian communities.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 444 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2023
Publisher: Cornell University Press

A People's Church is a remarkable compilation of essays by a distinguished international group of historians, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of Christian religious life and institutions in medieval Italy. This comprehensive volume delves into the unique aspects of medieval Christianity on the Italian peninsula, while also highlighting the shared beliefs and practices it shared with other Christian societies.

Due to its long tradition of communal self-governance, Christianity in medieval Italy stands out as a truly people's church, unlike anywhere else. At the same time, its exceptional urban wealth, high literacy rates, and rich and diverse intellectual and artistic culture fostered a wide range of religious devotion and institutions.

The contributors to this volume are experts in their respective fields, providing valuable insights into various aspects of medieval Italian Christianity. Maria Pia Alberzoni explores the topic of heresy, Frances Andrews delves into urban religion, Cécile Caby examines monasticism, Giovanna Casagrande explores mendicants, George Dameron focuses on Florence, Antonella Degl Innocenti explores saints, Marina Gazzini explores lay confraternities, Maureen C. Miller explores bishops, Agostino Paravicini Bagliani and Pietro Silanos examine the papacy and Italian politics, Antonio Rigon explores clerical confraternities, Neslihan Şenocak explores the pievi and care of souls, and Giovanni Vitolo explores Naples.

Each essay in A People's Church treats a single theme in broad terms, aiming to highlight both the distinctive characteristics of medieval Christianity in Italy and the similarities and differences it shared with other Christian communities. The authors provide a wealth of information and analysis, shedding light on the social, cultural, and political contexts in which Christianity flourished in medieval Italy.

This book is an essential resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the history of Christianity, medieval Europe, or the cultural and intellectual heritage of Italy. It offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the rich and complex world of medieval Italian Christianity, providing a valuable perspective on this important period of history.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501716775