Flodoard of Rheims and the Writing of History in the Tenth Century

Flodoard of Rheims is a crucial historian from the tenth century, but his works have been misunderstood. This new study re-evaluates the relationship between political participation, historical understanding, and authorial individuality, shedding light on the political and cultural history of tenth-century Europe.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 282 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Flodoard of Rheims, a historian from the tenth century, is a captivating figure who has been largely overlooked in historical studies. His works provide invaluable insights into the emergence of the West Frankish and Ottonian kingdoms in the tumultuous years following the collapse of the Carolingian empire in 888. Despite his significant role as a narrative voice from this period, Flodoard's works have been largely ignored in the context of his evolving career and literary aims. In a groundbreaking new study, Edward Roberts offers the first comprehensive analysis and synthesis of Flodoard's entire output. This study challenges the traditional understanding of Flodoard's writings, suggesting that they have been taken at face value without considering his own intentions or priorities. By re-evaluating the relationship between political participation, historical understanding, and authorial individuality, Roberts sheds important new light on the political and cultural history of tenth-century Europe.

Flodoard of Rheims, born around 893/4, lived during a tumultuous period in European history. The collapse of the Carolingian empire in 888 left a power vacuum that paved the way for the rise of new kingdoms. Flodoard's writings provide a unique perspective on these events, as he was closely associated with the city of Rheims, which played a significant role in the formation of the West Frankish and Ottonian kingdoms.

However, Flodoard's works have been largely overlooked in historical studies. This is partly due to the fact that his writings have been difficult to access and interpret. Flodoard's works were written in Latin, and they were not widely circulated during his lifetime. Additionally, Flodoard's career was marked by political instability, and he was frequently in exile or under threat of persecution. This has made it difficult to trace the development of his ideas and to understand the context in which he wrote.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Flodoard's works, driven by the need to re-evaluate the history of the tenth century. Scholars have begun to explore Flodoard's writings in new ways, using modern techniques of analysis and interpretation. Edward Roberts's study is a significant contribution to this field, as it offers a comprehensive analysis of Flodoard's entire output.

Roberts's study suggests that Flodoard's writings about Rheims, contemporary politics, and the Christian past have been misunderstood. He argues that Flodoard's works should be seen as part of a larger literary project, aimed at promoting the interests of the city of Rheims and the church. Flodoard was a loyal supporter of the church and a strong advocate for the protection of the rights of the clergy. He wrote extensively about the history of Rheims and the role of the church in the city, and he used his writings to promote the city's interests and to defend the church against secular authorities.

Roberts's study also sheds light on Flodoard's political participation. Flodoard was a political figure who played a significant role in the formation of the West Frankish and Ottonian kingdoms. He was a member of the royal court and was closely associated with the kings of West Francia and East Francia. Flodoard's writings provide insights into the political dynamics of the tenth century, and they reveal his involvement in the power struggles that characterized this period.

However, Roberts's study also challenges the traditional understanding of Flodoard's political views. He argues that Flodoard was not a conservative or reactionary figure, but rather a progressive who was committed to promoting social and political reform. Flodoard's writings suggest that he was a supporter of the idea of a Christian empire, and he wrote extensively about the role of the church in promoting social justice and peace.

In conclusion, Flodoard of Rheims is a fascinating but neglected historian who has been largely overlooked in historical studies. His works provide invaluable insights into the emergence of the West Frankish and Ottonian kingdoms and the political and cultural history of tenth-century Europe. Edward Roberts's new study offers a comprehensive analysis of Flodoard's entire output, challenging the traditional understanding of his writings and shedding important new light on his political and literary aims. This study will be of interest to scholars of medieval history, political science, and literature, as it provides a fresh perspective on a significant figure from the tenth century.

Weight: 404g
Dimension: 151 x 227 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316649879