This book presents an historical overview of the Frankish realms in Central Europe during the Carolingian period. Against this background Part II of the book examines the cultural inventory deposited by the scribal culture in Central Europe as represented by manuscripts, crystals, ivories and gem encrusted liturgical art. Part III deals with such examples of Carolingian wall painting and architecture as are still evident in Central Europe. Though some examples are derivative, many are original. To reflect the splendor of the objects and surfaces discussed in Parts II and III, the book is lavishly ornamented with pertinent color illustrations. Black and white illustrations generally serve the representation of architecture.
Herbert Schutz, Ph.D. (1968) German, Toronto, Professor Emeritus of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures at Brock University, Canada. Fifth in a sequence of cultural histories of Central Europe from prehistoric times to the end of the Carolingian period, this volume follows Tools, Weapons and Ornaments. Germanic Material Culture 400-750 (Brill, 2001).
'Schutz describes various works of literature, manuscripts, ivory carvings, reliquaries, palaces, and churches to demonstrate the variety of styles within the Carolingian realms, particularly eastern Francia. The book is a storehouse of information and illustrations of the diverse artifacts of Carolingian culture...'
Anna Taylor, H-Net Review, 2005.
List of Illustrations
List of Maps
Foreword
Acknowledgements
Introduction
PART A. THE CAROLINGIAN REALMS
I. Reaching for the crownâContinuity and change in the realms of the Franks
II. Towards Empire
III. Charlemagneâs successors
IV. Towards the partition of the Empire
V. The emerging profile of Central Europe
VI. The last unification of the Empire
PART B. BOOKS, GEMS AND IVORIES
VII. The recapitulation of origins
VIII. Carolingian scribal culture
IX. Religious literature
X. Secular literature
XI. The cloister arts
XII. Illuminated manuscriptsâEvangelists
XIII. Illuminated manuscriptsâRuler Portraits
XIV. Illuminated manuscriptsâChrist in Majesty
XV. Illuminated manuscriptsâNarrative style
XVI. Engraved crystals
XVII. Ivories
XVIII. Gems, precious metals and bronzesâLiturgical art
PART C. PALACES AND BASILICAS
XIX. ArchitectureâPalaces
XX. ArchitectureâWall painting
XXI. ArchitectureâBasilicas
Conclusion
Selected Bibliography
Index
All students of the cultural history of the Early Middle Ages in Central Europe, interested especially in Art and Architecture and their continuity and originality.