England under the Norman and Angevin Kings, 1075 - 1225 (New Oxford History Of England)

This lively and far-reaching account of the politics, religion, and culture of England in the century and a half after the Norman Conquest provides a vivid picture of everyday existence, and increases our understanding of all aspects of medieval society. This was a period in which the ruling dynasty and military aristocracy were deeply enmeshed with the politics and culture of France. Professor Bartlett describes their conflicts, and their preoccupations - the sense of honour, the role of violence, and the glitter of tournament, heraldry, and Arthurian romance. He explores the mechanics of government; assesses the role of the Church at a time of radical developments in religious life and organization; and investigates the peasant economy, the foundation of this society, and the growing urban and commercial activity. There are colourful details of the everyday life of ordinary men and women, with their views on the past, on sexuality, on animals, on death, the undead, and the occult. The result is a fascinating and comprehensive portrayal of a period which begins with conquest and ends in assimilation. This vivid and and comprehensive account of the politics, religion, and culture of England in the century and a half after the Norman Conquest lays bare the patterns of everyday life, and increases our understanding of medieval society at a time when England was more closely tied to Europe than ever before. This was a period in which the ruling dynasty and military aristocracy were deeply enmeshed with the politics and culture of France. The book describes the central conflicts and preoccupations: the sense of honour, the role of violence, and the glitter of tournament, heraldry, and Arthurian romance. The author explores the mechanics of the English government and analyzes the part played by the Church at a time of radical developments in religious life and organization. He also investigates the role of ordinary men and women: the fundamental importance of the peasant economy in the growing urban and commercial arenas and their outlook on the world, including their views on the past, on gender and behavior, on animals, and on the undead and the occult. The result is a fascinating and complex account of a period which begins with conquest and ends in assimilation. This vivid and and comprehensive account of the politics, religion, and culture of England in the century and a half after the Norman Conquest lays bare the patterns of everyday life, and increases our understanding of medieval society at a time when England was more closely tied to Europe than ever before. This was a period in which the ruling dynasty and military aristocracy were deeply enmeshed with the politics and culture of France. The book describes their conflicts and their preoccupations: the sense of honour, the role of violence, and the glitter of tournament, heraldry, and Arthurian romance. The author explores the mechanics of their government, and analyses the part played by the Church at a time of radical developments in religious life and organization. He investigates the role of ordinary men and women: the fundamental importance of the peasant economy, the growing urban and commercial arenas; and also their outlook on the world, including their views on the past; on sexuality; on animals; on death, the undead and the occult. The result is a fascinating and complex account of a period which begins with conquest and ends in assimilation. This Lively And Far-reaching Account Of The Politics, Religion, And Culture Of England In The Century And A Half After The Norman Conquest Provides A Vivid Picture Of Everyday Existence, And Increases Our Understanding Of All Aspects Of Medieval Society. This Was A Period In Which The Ruling Dynasty And Military Aristocracy Were Deeply Enmeshed With The Politics And Culture Of France. Professor Bartlett Describes Their Conflicts And Their Preoccupations - The Sense Of Honour, The Role Of Violence, And The Glitter Of Tournament, Heraldry, And Arthurian Romance. He Explores The Mechanics Of Government; Assesses The Role Of The Church At A Time Of Radical Developments In Religious Life And Organization; And Investigates The Peasant Economy, The Foundation Of This Society, And The Growing Urban And Commercial Activity.--jacket. Political Patterns -- England And Beyond -- Lordship And Government -- The Aristocracy -- Warfare -- The Rural Foundations -- Towns And Trade -- The Institutional Church -- Religious Life -- Cultural Patterns -- The Course Of Life -- Cosmologies. Robert Bartlett. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [695]-705) And Index.