New Perspectives on Heretical Discourse and Identities: The Waldensians in Historical Context

The Waldensians were a dissident religious movement in France that originated in the twelfth century and spread to other parts of Europe, particularly the Duchy of Savoy and Northern and Southern Italy. This volume of essays discusses the construction and transmission of Waldensian identity through discourse and cultural production, highlighting their religious and political significance. It examines Waldensian texts and manuscripts, their circulation, physical characteristics, language, and textual sources, and the shifting representation of Waldensian identity through stereotypes, modern literature, the visual arts, and historical accounts. The volume aims to offer a review of research to date and to point to future directions for study.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 360 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Peter Lang International Academic Publishers

The Waldensians, a dissident religious movement that emerged in France in the twelfth century, held significant importance in understanding early Church history. Primarily residing in the Duchy of Savoy, Northern and Southern Italy, and later expanding to other parts of Europe, the Waldensians played a pivotal role in shaping religious and political discourse. This comprehensive volume of essays, brought together by esteemed scholars in the field, delves into the construction and transmission of Waldensian identity through discourse and cultural production. It highlights the religious and political significance of the Waldensians at an international level, particularly in relation to the Reformation and its aftermath.

The research presented in this volume is grounded in the extensive holdings of Waldensian manuscripts in prestigious libraries such as the Old Library of Trinity College Dublin, Cambridge, Geneva, and Grenoble. These manuscripts provide invaluable insights into the beliefs, practices, and historical context of the Waldensians. The volume is organized into two parts: "Editing Waldensian Texts and Manuscripts" and "Constructing Waldensian Identity."

In the first section, "Editing Waldensian Texts and Manuscripts," the authors explore the nature of Waldensian texts and manuscripts, their circulation, physical characteristics, language, and textual sources. They discuss the challenges and methodologies involved in editing and studying these texts, shedding light on the rich linguistic and cultural diversity of the Waldensian movement. The section also highlights the role of specific libraries, individuals, gifts, and countries in promoting and fashioning Waldensian identity, emphasizing the transnational nature of the Waldensian community.

The second section, "Constructing Waldensian Identity," delves into the shifting representation of Waldensian identity through stereotypes, modern literature, the visual arts, and historical accounts. The authors examine how Waldensians have been portrayed and interpreted over time, exploring the ways in which their beliefs and practices have been interpreted and adapted to different contexts. They also explore the role played by specific libraries, individuals, gifts, and countries in promoting and fashioning Waldensian identity, highlighting the diverse ways in which Waldensian identity has been constructed and transmitted.

A key aim of this volume is to offer a comprehensive review of research to date and to provide insights into future directions for study. The essays explore various aspects of Waldensian history, theology, and culture, providing a rich tapestry of insights into this dissident religious movement. The volume serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the historical and cultural significance of the Waldensians.

In conclusion, the Waldensians, as members of a dissident religious movement that originated in France in the twelfth century, played a significant role in shaping early Church history. This volume of essays, brought together by leading scholars in the field, offers a comprehensive exploration of the construction and transmission of Waldensian identity through discourse and cultural production. By examining the rich holdings of Waldensian manuscripts and exploring the shifting representation of Waldensian identity, the volume provides valuable insights into the religious and political significance of the Waldensians at an international level. It serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in understanding the historical and cultural significance of this dissident religious movement.

Weight: 536g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789977141
Edition number: New ed