Dominique Barthélemy (1) (1953–)

A highly engaging work of scholarship. Barthelemy shows the through line from the Carolingian to the 12 century. The gist is regions held on to old structures while adapting to changing circumstances on the ground. The historians of the “feudal transformation” are at fault for beginning the middle of this process instead of looking back. Barthelemy takes deep dives into servitude and nobility and shows the dynamic range of life within both. These dynamic ranges highlight over generalized categories that historians use to paint a picture of endemic violence in the era of “feudal transformation”. This book provides an interesting perspective shift on the origins of European feudalism.… (meer)