The Great Western Schism, 1378-1417: Performing Legitimacy, Performing Unity

The Great Schism divided Western Christianity between 1378 and 1417, with two popes and their courts occupying the see of St. Peter. Joëlle Rollo-Koster investigates the event through the prism of social drama, exploring the four phases of the Schism and how popes legitimized their positions. Her approach humanizes the Schism, enabling us to understand it as it was experienced by contemporaries.

Format: Hardback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Great Schism, a pivotal period in Western Christianity's history, spanned from 1378 to 1417. During this time, the seat of St. Peter, the holiest place in the Christian faith, was occupied by two popes and their respective courts, one in Rome and the other in Avignon. This event has long been a subject of interest for scholars of institutional history, who have studied the various aspects of the Schism. In contrast, Joëlle Rollo-Koster approaches the Schism from a social drama perspective in her book. By meticulously gathering liturgical, cultural, artistic, literary, and archival evidence, Rollo-Koster delves into the four phases of the Schism: the rupture following the 1378 election, the subsequent division of the Church, the repressive actions taken by both sides, and the eventual reintegration of the papacy into a single pope. Through her analysis, Rollo-Koster explores how the popes legitimized their respective positions and the reception of their efforts by their followers. She also sheds light on how the Schism influenced political thought, the process of achieving unity, and the responses of both Rome and Avignon to the unfolding events. Rollo-Koster's unique approach humanizes the Schism, allowing us to understand the event as it was experienced by contemporaries. By examining the social, cultural, and political dimensions of the Schism, Rollo-Koster provides a fresh perspective on this significant historical event, offering valuable insights into the complex dynamics of medieval Christianity.

Weight: 910g
Dimension: 260 x 183 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107168947