Medieval Canon Law

The study of canon law is essential for understanding how the medieval church functioned and influenced the lay world. This second edition of Canon Law in the Middle Ages has been fully revised and updated to include new material on the early Middle Ages, the discovery of earlier versions of Gratian's Decretum, and the new research into law emanating from secular authorities. It examines canon law in intellectual spaces, the canonical courts and their procedures, and its influence in Western society. The book also includes references to current literature and resources and biographical notes on canonists featured in the work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 212 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Understanding the medieval church's functioning and its impact on the lay world within its care requires a comprehensive grasp of canon law. This comprehensive book delves into the evolution of canon law from its early origins to the end of the Middle Ages, incorporating recent scholarly trends to provide a fresh perspective.

In this revised and updated second edition, Melodie H. Eichbauer has dedicated herself to enriching the content with additional material on the early Middle Ages, exploring the significance of discovering earlier versions of Gratian's Decretum, and shedding light on the new research emerging from secular authorities, councils, episcopal acta, and juridical commentary. This groundbreaking research endeavors to reimagine our understanding of the sources of law and the pivotal role of canon law in medieval society.

The book is organized into separate chapters that examine canon law in various intellectual spaces, delve into the operations of canonical courts and their procedures, and showcase the application of canon law through case studies of deviation from orthodoxy and marriage. The main body of the book concludes with a comprehensive analysis of canon law's influence in Western society, while incorporating sections previously cut from the first edition chapters on canon law in private and public life to emphasize its importance.

To facilitate research in this field, the book includes comprehensive references to current literature and valuable resources, making it an invaluable resource for students of medieval history. Additionally, the first appendix offers examples of how canonical texts are cited, while the second provides biographical notes on the canonists featured in the work.

In essence, this second edition of Canon Law in the Middle Ages remains faithful to the spirit of Brundage's original text while offering a significant rewriting and updating that ensures its relevance and accuracy in the modern academic landscape.

Weight: 362g
Dimension: 154 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367742409
Edition number: 2 ed