Limit search to available items
Book Cover
E-book
Author Urbanski, Charity, 1970- author.

Title Writing history for the king : Henry II and the politics of vernacular historiography / Charity Urbanski
Published Ithaca : Cornell University Press, 2013

Copies

Description 1 online resource
Contents Situating the Roman de Rou and Chronique des ducs de Normandie -- Henry II -- The Roman de Rou -- The Chronique des ducs de Normandie
Summary This book is at once a reassessment of the reign of Henry II of England (1133-1189) and an original contribution to our understanding of the rise of vernacular historiography in the high Middle Ages. The author focuses on two dynastic histories commissioned by Henry: Wace's Roman de Rou (c. 1160-1174) and Benoît de Sainte-Maure's Chronique des ducs de Normandie (c. 1174-1189). In both cases, Henry adopted the new genre of vernacular historical writing in Old French verse in an effort to disseminate a royalist version of the past that would help secure a grip on power for himself and his children. Wace was the first to be commissioned, but in 1174 the king abruptly fired him, turning the task over to Benoît de Sainte-Maure. The author examines these histories as part of a single enterprise intended to cement the king's authority by enhancing the prestige of Henry II's dynasty. In a close reading of Wace's Rou, this text shows that it presented a less than flattering picture of Henry's predecessors, in effect challenging his policies and casting a shadow over the legitimacy of his rule. Benoît de Sainte-Maure's Chronique, in contrast, mounted a staunchly royalist defense of Anglo-Norman kingship. The author reads both works in the context of Henry's reign, arguing that as part of his drive to curb baronial power he sought a history that would memorialize his dynasty and solidify its claim to England and Normandy
Bibliography Includes bibliographical references and index
Notes In English
Subject Henry II, King of England, 1133-1189.
Normandy, Dukes of.
Wace, approximately 1100-approximately 1175. Roman de Rou.
Benoît, de Sainte-More, active 12th century. Chronique des ducs de Normandie
SUBJECT Benoît, de Sainte-More, active 12th century. Chronique des ducs de Normandie
Wace, approximately 1100-approximately 1175. Roman de Rou
Normandy, Dukes of
Henry II, King of England, 1133-1189
Henry II, King of England, 1133-1189 fast
Normandy, Dukes of fast
Roman de Rou (Wace) fast
Subject HISTORY -- Europe -- Great Britain.
LITERARY CRITICISM -- Medieval.
Historiography
SUBJECT Great Britain -- History -- Norman period, 1066-1154 -- Historiography
Great Britain -- History -- Angevin period, 1154-1216 -- Historiography
Normandy (France) -- Historiography
Subject France -- Normandy
Great Britain
Genre/Form History
Form Electronic book
ISBN 9780801451317
0801451310
0801469724
9780801469725
0801469716
9780801469718