Poets and Emperors: Frankish Politics and Carolingian Poetry

TLDR

Early medieval classical tradition was creatively adapted to barbarian tastes, prompting the invention of poetic forms that reflected contemporary political events, a topic of interest for medieval historians and literature scholars. Dr Godman re‑evaluates specific authors by analyzing the critical and historical issues of their allusive art, emphasizing their self‑awareness, sensitivity to ancient precursors, peer rivalries, and efforts to shape public perception. He argues that Frankish politics and Carolingian poetry have historical and literary implications that extend beyond the early Middle Ages.

Abstract

The central themes of this study are the character of the classical tradition of the early Middle Ages - creatively adapted to 'barbarian' literary tastes - and the refashioning and invention of poetic form in response to contemporary political events. Dr Godman accompanies his revaluation of specific authors with an analysis of the critical and historical issues raised by these poets' allusive art. He pays special attention to their self-awareness, to their sensitivity to their ancient precursors, to their rivalries with their peers, and to their attempts to shape and influence perception of public affairs. He argues persuasively that the subject of Frankish politics and Carolingian poetry has historical and literary implications that reach beyond our understanding of the early Middle Ages. Medieval historians, and students of medieval literature.