Presence of Rome in Medieval and Early Modern Britain: Texts, Artefacts and Beliefs

This book explores the cultural and intellectual stakes of medieval and renaissance Britain's sense of itself as living in the shadow of Rome, using medieval texts in a range of languages to compare and contrast with early modern English and humanistic Latin texts. It focuses on the themes of the ordinary, the self, the word, and the dead as compass points for individuals' orientations to and against Rome.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 17 September 2020
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the profound cultural and intellectual dimensions of medieval and Renaissance Britain's perception of itself as residing in the shadow of Rome, a city that held immense significance both in its ancient past as the conqueror and colonizer of Britain and in its role as the revered and often demonized Roman Church. Author David Wallace skillfully weaves together a rich tapestry of medieval texts in various languages, including Latin, medieval Welsh, Old English, and Old French, engaging them in dialogue with early modern English and humanistic Latin texts, encompassing the works of Gildas, Bede, Chaucer, Shakespeare, Bacon, St. Augustine, Dante, Erasmus, Luther, and Montaigne. By utilizing these diverse sources, Wallace offers a captivating exploration of the multifaceted relationship between Britain and Rome.

Through his meticulous analysis, Wallace highlights the ways in which individuals in medieval and Renaissance Britain navigated their orientations towards and against Rome. He employs the metaphor of "compass points" to illustrate the significant dimensions of Rome's enduring influence on shaping and complicating the human quest to understand oneself and the nature of human community. The Ordinary, The Self, The Word, and The Dead serve as focal points through which individuals explored their relationships with Rome, shedding light on the complex interplay between identity, power, religion, and culture.

Wallace's work demonstrates the profound interconnectedness of medieval and Renaissance Britain with the broader Mediterranean world, highlighting the ways in which cultural, intellectual, and religious exchanges influenced the development of these societies. He sheds light on the complex negotiations and conflicts that occurred as individuals sought to balance their allegiance to local traditions and values with the influence of Rome, exploring the ways in which the Roman legacy continued to shape British culture and society for centuries to come.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable contribution to the field of medieval and Renaissance studies, offering a rich and nuanced exploration of the cultural and intellectual stakes of Britain's relationship with Rome. Through his meticulous analysis and engaging writing style, Wallace provides readers with a deeper understanding of the complex web of influences that shaped medieval and Renaissance Britain, and the enduring legacy of Rome in shaping the world we know today.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108496100