Coronations: Medieval and Early Modern Monarchic Ritual

The authors of Coronations examine royal ceremonies from the ninth to the sixteenth century, finding the essence of the monarchical state in its public presentation. Fifteen leading scholars explore the forms and meanings of such events, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches and critical evaluation of evidence.

Format: Hardback
Length: 268 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

The fascination with royal pomp and circumstance has a long and illustrious history, intertwined with the concept of kingship itself. In their book, "Coronations," the authors delve into the examination of royal ceremonies spanning from the ninth to the sixteenth century. Through their insightful analysis, they uncover the fundamental essence of the monarchical state, as seen in its public presentation of itself. This work serves as a timely and enlightened response to the renewed interest in political history, appealing not only to cultural historians but also to scholars of political science.

The symbolic and ritual acts that played a crucial role in representing and legitimizing monarchical power in medieval and early modern Europe encompass a wide range of events. These include not only royal and papal coronations but also festive entries, inaugural feasts, and rulers' funerals. To explore the forms and underlying meanings of these events, fifteen leading scholars from diverse countries, including North America, Britain, France, Germany, Poland, and Denmark, have contributed their expertise. Their contributions demonstrate the significance of in-depth study of rulership in understanding premodern power structures.

An emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches, drawing on the findings of ethnography and anthropology, alongside rigorous critical evaluation of written and iconic evidence. The editor's historiographical introduction provides a comprehensive survey of the past and present of this field of study, while also proposing new lines of inquiry. It is important to note that the perception of reality is not a one-dimensional matter; even if we can establish what actually transpired, we must also consider how it was perceived by those present.

This book is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates the University of California Press's commitment to seeking out and nurturing the brightest minds and providing them with a platform to express their ideas, reach a wider audience, and have a significant impact. By resurrecting a backlist dating back to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again, ensuring that the insights and knowledge of past generations continue to resonate and inspire.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 234 x 156 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520357655