The Chronicle of Halych-Volhonia is a major historical and literary treasure stemming from the 13th century picking up the tale of how Kyivan Rus turned into Russia proper
Category: Medieval Books
Strategies of Visual Communication in Medieval Art
How did their images work? This question is raised in a new collection of papers
Divine Audacity
Mystical Theology, introspection and radical thinking was wedded in the lives and works of Margurite Porete, Hugh of Balma, Meister Eckhart and Ruusbroch. New book presents their thinking
Divine Audacity: Unity and Identity in Hugh of Balma, Eckhart, Ruusbroec, and Marguerite Porete
By Peter S. Dillard,
James Clarke & Co. 2022
In Divine Audacity, Peter Dillard presents a historically informed and rigorous analysis of the themes of mystical union, volition and virtue that occupied several of the foremost theological minds in the late thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries. In particular, the work of Marguerite Porete raises complex questions in these areas, which are further explored by a trio of her near contemporaries. Their respective meditations are thoroughly analysed and then skilfully brought into dialogue.
What emerges from Dillard’s synthesis of these voices is a contemporary mystical theology that is rooted in Hugh of Balma’s affective approach, sharpened through critical engagement with Meister Eckhart’s intellectualism, and strengthened by crucial insights gleaned from the writings of John Ruusbroec. The fresh examination of these thinkers – one of whom paid with her life for her radicalism – will appeal to philosophers and theologians alike, while Dillard’s own propositions demand attention from all who concern themselves with the nature of the union between the soul and God.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Peter S. Dillard has a PhD in Philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania, USA. He has taught at the University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University, USA and his novel, Hohokam Bones, was published by Aydy Press in 2004.
FEATURED PHOTO:
Unidentified artist, German, possibly Bohemian. Two Female Saints, 14th century. Oil and gold on panel, Overall: 31 3/8 x 23 1/8 in. (79.7 x 58.7 cm). Barnes Foundation BF875. Public Domain
Territory in Late Medieval and Early Modern Europe
In recent political and constitutional history, scholars seldom specify how and why they use the concept of territory. New book argues that territory is the lived space of people
Norwegian Church Art in Bergen
The collection of medieval church art at the University Museum of Bergen in Norway is among the finest of its kind in Europe. A new catalogue presents the collection in several languages.
Godrich of Finchale – Merchant, Pilgrim, Hermit and Saint
Godrich of Finchale (1070-1170) was a popular saint in the county of Durham, where he ended his days as a hermit. A new edition of his life was recently published.
A History of Slavery in the Viking Age
Viking slavery was not primarily about acquiring slaves for the Nordic countries. Rather, it was a valuable commodity sold on the large slave-markets
The Archaeology of Slavery in Early Medieval Northern Europe
Vikings were not just raiders and traders, but also slavers. Until now the role of slave-trading has primarily been explored through written sources. A new comprehensive overview of the archaeological evidence offers valuable insights into this "invisible commodity".
The Golden Treasure of Harold Bluetooth
New book may read like a fabled Viking detective story. In fact, the book presents us with a whole new, well-researched and compelling history of the events during the reign of Harold Bluetooth in the 10th century.
The Viking Great Army and the Making of England
The discovery of the Viking Winter Camp of the “mycel heathen here” in Torksey in 2013 was an eyeopener. For the first time, the immense size of the army and its historical impact was revealed archaeologically. Now, a new book offers the story of these decisive events in the history of England
Thomas Becket: murder and the making of a saint
Marking the 850th anniversary of his dramatic murder of Thomas Becket, this book accompanies a major exhibition at the British Museum
The Materiality of Saint Thomas Becket
A fine collection of essays celebrates the 850th anniversary of Thomas Becket by delving into the blood, the brain, the footsteps, the ripped remnants of cloth and the light.
The Chasuble of Thomas Becket
The Cathedral in Fermo in Italy has preserved Thomas Becket's chasuble. A new book explores the golden textile
The Last Relic of Thomas Becket
This is a crafty and learned detective story of how Christopher de Hamel discovered the personal prayer-book of Thomas Becket in the collection of Corpus Christi College in Cambridge
Sutton Hoo – Where to Begin?
Seen “The Dig”? And wish to know more about archaeological excavations at Sutton Hoo and the spectacular finds. Here is a list of books offering a starting point
Narrating Muslim Sicily
Valuable new book tells the story of Muslim Sicily AD 902– 1091 through a plethora of Arab historians, geographers, jurists and philologists