Overview

During the high Middle Ages, the bishopric of Liege found itself at a cultural crossroads between the German Empire and the French lordships. The Liegeois themselves argued that Gaul considers us its most distant inhabitants, Germany as nearby citizens. In fact we are neither, but both at the same time, and the same idea echoes in the work of present-day historians who have described Liege as an interesting point de rencontre et penetration de deux grandes civilisations. Medieval monastic communities in Liege were key sites of this interpenetration, actively participating in the cultural developments, social networks, and political structures of both regions. Bringing together the work of international scholars, this collection of essays addresses the problem of monastic identity and its formation in a region that was geographically wedged between two complex and competing socio-political powers. It investigates how monastic communities negotiated the uncertainties of this situation, while also capitalizing on the opportunities it presented. As such, this book sheds light on the agency of monastic identity formation in a small but complex region at the crossroads of two power blocks.

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9782503545400

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The volume's editors have succeeded admirably in their aim 'to present Liege as a hub of monasticism that has not received sufficient attention...and to provide an entry point for scholars seeking to delve into the region for the first time' (xviii). These eleven essays provide positive proof that the sources for medieval Liege are fertile ground for research in many different aspects of medieval monasticism. [...] I highly recommend this stimulating and cohesive volume of essays to historians of medieval monasticism and their students. --Scott G. Bruce, University of Colorado at Boulder, The Medieval Review 18.05.15

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