Early Medieval Formularies as Sources for Social History Research. On Warren C. Brown’s Book, Beyond the Monastery Walls. Lay Men and Women in Early Medieval Legal Formularies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12775/KH.2025.132.4.05Keywords
early medieval diplomatics, formulae, social history, literacy, Carolingian eraAbstract
Research on the history of the Carolingian era shows growing interest in collections of formularies, which were primarily studied in the fields of diplomatics, legal history, and the continuity of late antique institutions during the Middle Ages. Formulae are now considered valuable sources for studying literacy and social relations, especially everyday relations between lay people. Warren C. Brown explores this issue by using the formulae to analyse, among other things, family relationships, property transfers, personal connections, changes in personal status, and conflict-resolution strategies within Carolingian communities. However, research opportunities are limited due to a lack of information regarding the origin, purpose, and function of these formularies, as well as uncertainty concerning about their usage in the drafting of documents. Until these fundamental issues related to the sources are resolved, it is advisable to approach conclusions about social practices derived from this group of texts with caution.
References
Edycje źródłowe
Formulae Merowingici et Carolini Aevi, wyd. Karl Zeumer, Hannoverae 1886 (MGH Leges, sectio 5).
The Formularies of Angers and Marculf. Two Merovingian Legal Handbooks, tłum. i wstęp Alice Rio, Liverpool University Press, Liverpool 2008 (Translated Texts for Historians, t. 46).
Opracowania
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Brown Warren C., Beyond the Monastery Walls. Lay Men and Women in Early Medieval Legal Formularies, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge 2023.
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