Columbanus: Studies on the Latin Writings - (Studies in Celtic History) by Michael Lapidge (Hardcover)

About the Book

Essays investigating the writings attributed to Columbanus, influential 0c founder of Luxeuil and Bobbio.

Book Synopsis

Essays investigating the writings attributed to Columbanus, influential 0c founder of Luxeuil and Bobbio.

Columbanus (d.615), the Irish monk and founder of such important centres as Luxeuil and Bobbio, was one of the most influential figures in early medieval Europe. His fiery personality led him into conflict with Gallic bishops andRoman popes, and he defended his position on such matters as monastic discipline in a substantial corpus of Latin writings marked by burning conviction and rhetorical skill. However, the polish of his style has raised questions about the nature of his early training in Ireland and even about the authenticity of the writings which have come down to us under his name. The studies in this volume attempt to address these questions: by treating each of the individual writings comprehensively, and drawing on recently-developed techniques of stylistic analysis new light is shed on Columbanus and his early education in Ireland. More importantly, doubts over the authenticity of certain writings attributed to Columbanus are here authoritatively resolved, so putting the study of this cardinal figure on a sound basis.Professor MICHAEL LAPIDGE teaches in the Department of Anglo-Saxon, Norse and Celtic, Universityof Cambridge. Contributors: DONALD BULLOUGH, NEIL WRIGHT, CLARE STANCLIFFE, JANE STEVENSON, T.M. CHARLES-EDWARDS, DIETER SCHALLER, MICHAEL LAPIDGE, DÁIBHÍ Ó CRÓINÍN

Review Quotes

This collection of essays, which is impeccably edited, not only provides a better understanding of the life and scholarship of Columbanus, but also makes a significant contribution to the study of Hiberno-Latin literature and to early Irish spirituality and monasticism. MEDIUM AEVUM * With this book, the corpus of works by Columbanus can, it seems, be safely identified, to the boon of future scholarship... a vital pillar to any future study of the works. JOURNAL OF MEDIEVAL LATIN * A significant contribution to the study of this important early medieval figure... fine essays. CHURCH HISTORY [US] * A very important book.-- "REVUE BELGE"