The Chronicle of Hugh of Flavigny : Reform and the Investiture Contest in the Late Eleventh Century

This book is a detailed study of Hugh of Flavigny and his chronicle, which is widely recognised as one of the most important narratives of a crucial period of European history, that is, the Investiture Contest. Hugh's Chronicon is significant in a number of ways: as a unique source-book for some of the most important primary documents (especially papal letters) generated by the Investiture Contest; as a rare autograph manuscript which gives an important insight into contemporary modes of composition and compilation; as an important history of the 'local' effects of the Investiture Contest in the dioceses of Verdun and Autun; and as a striking autobiography of the author, Hugh of Flavigny. All these aspects are covered in this study by Patrick Healy. Other chapters investigate the context of the work in terms of ecclesiastical politics and use an analysis of the political and theological sources to illustrate the intellectual make-up of a contemporary monk, publicist - and polemicist. Cover -- Title Page -- Copyright Page -- Table of Contents -- Acknowledgements -- List of Abbreviations -- 1 Introduction -- 2 The Abbey of St-Vanne, Verdun, from its Foundation until 1085 -- 3 The Life and Career of Hugh of Flavigny -- 4 The Manuscript of the Chronicon and its Transmission -- 5 Sources of the Chronicon -- 6 Kingship and Tyranny in the Chronicon -- 7 Lay Investiture and Simony: Auctoritas and Consuetudo -- 8 Reforming Attitudes to Ecclesiastical Promotion -- 9 The Chronicon as Polemic -- Appendix 1 -- Appendix 2 -- Bibliography