
English Church Monuments in the Middle Ages
History and Representation
Nigel Saul(Author)
Oxford University Press
Published on 12. February 2009
Book
Hardback
432 pages
978-0-19-921598-0 (ISBN)
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Description
English Church Monuments in the Middle Ages offers a comprehensive survey of English church monuments from the pre-Conquest period to the early sixteenth century. Ground-breaking in its treatment of the subject in an historical context, it explores medieval monuments both in terms of their social meaning and the role that they played in the religious strategies of the commemorated. Attention is given to the production of monuments, the pattern of their geographical distribution, the evolution of monument types, and the role of design in communicating the monument's message. A major theme is the self-representation of the commemorated as reflected in the main classes of effigy-those of the clergy, the knights and esquires, and the lesser landowner or burgess class, while the effigial monuments of women are examined from the perspective of the construction of gender. While seeking to use monuments as windows onto the experiences and lives of the commemorated, it also exploits documentary sources to show what they can tell us about the influences that helped shape the monuments.
An innovative chapter looks at the construction of identity in inscriptions, showing how the liturgical role of the monument limited the opportunities for expressions of self. Nigel Saul seeks to place monuments at the very centre of medieval studies, highlighting their importance not only for the history of sculpture and design, but also for social and religious history more generally.
An innovative chapter looks at the construction of identity in inscriptions, showing how the liturgical role of the monument limited the opportunities for expressions of self. Nigel Saul seeks to place monuments at the very centre of medieval studies, highlighting their importance not only for the history of sculpture and design, but also for social and religious history more generally.
Reviews / Votes
Saul's text is of a richness which deserves close and repeated reading. Nicholas Rogers, Journal of Ecclesiastical History ... a rich and comprehensive survey ... a superb study... D. M. Palliser, English Historical Review ...Nigel Saul, in a work of impressive scope and scholarship, has raised the study of medieval monuments to a new level ...This is a most enlightening addition to a dark subject, and it will enlarge the understanding and sharpen the eyes of all medievalists. Graham Parry, Ecclesiology Today [a] superb study... There is no better place for Nigel Saul's splendid volume than on the book shelf of every reader interested in medieval people and their monuments. Roger Rosewell, Vidimus This authoritative study is a tour de force. Northern History [An] excellent book: lucid, scholarly and wide-ranging. Southern History Society Impressive... This admirably clear and well-researched book will constitute a new starting point for all students of English medieval tomb monuments. Phillip Lindley, The Burlington Magazine A remarkable achievement...up to date, valuable and stimulating Philip J Lankester, Church Monuments This immensely informed work demonstrates how much more can be learnt not only about tombs, but also medieval society more generally ... a fine contribution Elizabeth Freeman, The Art BookMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
College/higher education
Illustrations
78 black and white halftones
Dimensions
Height: 241 mm
Width: 167 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
896 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-921598-0 (9780199215980)
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Schweitzer Classification
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07/2011
Oxford University Press
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E-Book
02/2009
1st Edition
Oxford University Press
€79.99
Available for download
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Content
1. The Study of Monuments ; 2. Commemoration in Early Medieval England ; 3. The Market: Fashion, Geography and Clientele ; 4. The Production of Monuments ; 5. Choosing a Monument ; 6. Function and Meaning ; 7. Composition and Design ; 8. The Monuments of Ecclesiastics ; 9. Military Effigies ; 10. The Monuments of Civilians ; 11. The Monuments of Lawyers ; 12. The Monuments of Women ; 13. The Cult of the Macabre ; 14. Inscriptions ; 15. Prospect and Retrospect ; Appendix: List of Sculpted Effigial Monuments of Civilians in England to c.1500 ; Bibliography