The Cambridge Companion to the Age of William the Conqueror

Offers a comparative cultural history of north-western Europe in the crucial period of the eleventh century.

Benjamin Pohl (Edited by)

9781108482974, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 9 June 2022

350 pages
23.4 x 15.7 x 2.7 cm, 0.721 kg

This Cambridge Companion offers readers a comparative cultural history of north-western Europe in the crucial period of the eleventh century: the age of William the Conqueror. Besides England, Normandy, and northern France, the volume also explores Scandinavia, the North Sea world, the insular world beyond the English Channel, and various parts of Continental Europe. This Companion features essays designed specifically for those wishing to advance their knowledge and understanding of this important period of European history using a holistic and contextual perspective, deliberately shifting the focus away from William the man and onto the rich and fascinating culture of the world in which he lived and ruled. This was not the age created by William, but the age that created him. With contributions by leading international experts, this volume provides an inclusive and innovative study companion that is both authoritative and timely.

Prologue: Studying the Age of William the Conqueror Benjamin Pohl
Part I. Home and Away: 1. Normandy and the continent Alheydis Plassmann
2. England and the insular world Alex Woolf and Neil McGuigan
3. Scandinavia and the North Sea world Michael H. Gelting
Part II. Space and Society: 4. Landscape and settlement Katherine Weikert
5. Church and society Richard Allen
6. Trade and travel Eljas Oksanen
Part III. Individuals and Institutions: 7. Family and kinship Laura L. Gathagan
8. Nobility and aristocracy Daniel Booker and S. D. Church
9. Kingship and consensus Björn Weiler
10. Law and justice Emily Tabuteau
Part IV. Cultural Perspectives: 11. Warfare and violence Matthew Strickland
12. History and memory Benjamin Pohl and Elisabeth van Houts
13. Language and literacy Keith Busby
14. Schools and education Mia Münster-Swendsen
Epilogue: The legacy of William the Conqueror and his age today David Bates.

Subject Areas: British & Irish history [HBJD1]