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 and Roman 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, University of Cambridge. Contributors: DONALD BULLOUGH, NEIL WRIGHT, CLARE STANCLIFFE, JANE STEVENSON, T.M. CHARLES-EDWARDS, DIETER SCHALLER, MICHAEL LAPIDGE, DIBH CRINN
Reviews
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
Details
First Published: 27 Mar 1997
13 Digit ISBN: 9780851156675
Pages: 326
Size: 23.4 x 15.6
Binding: Hardback
Imprint: Boydell Press
Series:
Studies in Celtic HistorySubject:
Medieval HistoryBIC Class: HBLC1
Details updated on 02 Sep 2010
Contents
- 1 The career of Columbanus
- 2 Columbanus's Epistulae
- 3 The thirteen sermons attributed to Columbanus and the question of their authorship
- 4 The monastic rules of Columbanus
- 5 The penitential of Columbanus
- 6 `De mundi transitu': a rhythmical poem by Columbanus?
- 7 `Precamur patrem': an Easter hymn by Columbanus?
- 8 The computistical works of Columbanus
- 9 The Oratio S. Columbani
- 10 Epilogue: did Columbanus compose metrical verse?
