Description
Book SynopsisThrough an examination of the rite and practice of consecrating (dedication) churches in eleventh-century Italy, A Sacred City examines how ritual was employed to foster the Gregorian reform and how sacred space shaped identity, generated conflict, and provoked a debate over symbolic meaning and ecclesiology among the reformers. -- .
Trade ReviewThis is an important work for any number of reasons: it is an extremely well-researched book that takes into account a wide range of sources and specialised literature on medieval liturgy, socio-religious history, commentary, canon law and the so-called Gregorian reform. It will fill a gap in the existing historiography of reform.
Kathleen Cushing, English Historical Review, cxxvii. 528 (Oct. 2012)
'a fresh perspective on a stale historiographical, tradition, a vivid portrait that evokes the true power of consecrations in, reforming Italian society in the late-eleventh and early-twelfth centuries'
Kriston Rennie, Catholic Historical Review
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Table of ContentsAcknowledgements
Abbreviations
Introduction: a sacred city
1. The liturgies for the dedication of a new church
2. “Turba concurrit”: attending the ritual and its meanings
3. Peter Damian from mystical to political allegory
4. Anselm of Lucca, Urban II and the invention of orthodox dedication
5. Bruno of Segni and Paschal II: from coordination to conflict
Conclusion: liturgy and history
Appendix A: Italian dedications with named participants
Appendix B: papal dedications (1009-1143)
Bibliography
Index
