Royal Rage and the Construction of Anglo-Norman Authority, c. 1000-1250

Description

This book explores how eleventh- and twelfth-century Anglo-Norman ecclesiastical authors attributed anger to kings in the exercise of their duties, and how such attributions related to larger expansions of royal authority. It argues that ecclesiastical writers used their works to legitimize certain displays of royal anger, often resulting in violence, while at the same time deploying a shared emotional language that also allowed them to condemn other types of displays. These texts are particularly concerned about displays of anger in regard to suppressing revolt, ensuring justice, protecting honor, and respecting the status of kingship. In all of these areas, the role of ecclesiastical and lay counsel forms an important limit on the growth and expansion of royal prerogatives. Front Matter ....Pages i-ix Introduction (Kate McGrath)....Pages 1-60 The Ecclesiastical Culture of Anger (Kate McGrath)....Pages 61-107 Righteous Royal Rage (Kate McGrath)....Pages 109-146 Shameful Royal Rage (Kate McGrath)....Pages 147-172 Role of Counsel in Directing Royal Rage (Kate McGrath)....Pages 173-202 Epilogue (Kate McGrath)....Pages 203-216 Back Matter ....Pages 217-220