The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity explores the role of Christianity in European society from the middle of the eleventh-century until the dawning of the Reformation. Arranged in four thematic sections and comprising 23 originally commissioned chapters plus introductory overviews to each part by the editor, this book provides an authoritative survey of a vital element of medieval history.

Comprehensive and cohesive, the volume provides a holistic view of Christianity in medieval Europe, examining not only the church itself but also its role in, influence on, and tensions with, contemporary society. Chapters therefore range from examinations of structures, theology and devotional practices within the church to topics such as gender, violence and holy warfare, the economy, morality, culture, and many more besides, demonstrating the pervasiveness and importance of the church and Christianity in the medieval world.

Despite the transition into an increasingly post-Christian age, the historic role of Christianity in the development of Europe remains essential to the understanding of European history - particularly in the medieval period. This collection will be essential reading for students and scholars of medieval studies across a broad range of disciplines.

About the Author
R.N. SWANSON is Professor of Medieval Ecclesiastical History at the University of Birmingham. His previous publications include Church and Society in Late Medieval England (1989); Religion and Devotion in Europe, c.1215-c.1515 (1995); The Twelfth Century Renaissance (1999); and Indulgences in Late Medieval England: Passports to Paradise? (2007).

Reviews

'In The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity Robert Swanson provides us with a clear, authoritative, and wide-ranging account of the social and economic structure of the Medieval Church. In particular Swanson's discussion of the importance of the administrative and spiritual role of the bishop in medieval society, and of the multi-faceted relationship which existed between diocese, parish and the laity during the High and Late Middle Ages is a timely and much needed addition to recent scholarship.'

Rebecca Rist, University of Reading, UK

'Robert Swanson has gathered together a distinguished group of scholars to explore medieval Christianity, the Church, and society. The volume manages to penetrate into every conceivable crevice of medieval thought, institutions and beliefs. The clear and accessible style of the essays, the bibliographies attached to each chapter, and the range of subjects will make this volume a vade mecum for students on all levels.'

Ken Pennington, The Catholic University of America, USA

'In The Routledge History of Medieval Christianity Robert Swanson provides us with a clear, authoritative, and wide-ranging account of the social and economic structure of the Medieval Church. In particular Swanson's discussion of the importance of the administrative and spiritual role of the bishop in medieval society, and of the multi-faceted relationship which existed between diocese, parish and the laity during the High and Late Middle Ages is a timely and much needed addition to recent scholarship.'

Rebecca Rist, University of Reading, UK

'Robert Swanson has gathered together a distinguished group of scholars to explore medieval Christianity, the Church, and society. The volume manages to penetrate into every conceivable crevice of medieval thought, institutions and beliefs. The clear and accessible style of the essays, the bibliographies attached to each chapter, and the range of subjects will make this volume a vade mecum for students on all levels.'

Ken Pennington, The Catholic University of America, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9780367867379
Author R. N. Swanson
Format Paperback
Page Count 372
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 700g