This is the first comprehensive account in English of the most feared and the most mysterious of medieval heretics.
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"Catharism was the most radical of medieval heresies. Since it touched most areas of Europe in some degree, research on its character and fortunes makes formidable demands on the learning and linguistic ability of any scholar who tackles it, not to mention demands also on his judgement. Malcolm Lambert, well known for his lucid and authoritative writings on medieval heresy, is a match for this challenging task. His new book, The Cathars , is to be welcomed as the most comprehensive and up–to–date treatment of the subject now available in English." Alexander Murray, University College, London <!––end––>"Lambert′s command of the literature and his ability to integrate it into a coherent narrative are unmatched. His book deserves to become the standard account of medieval Catharism." Medieval Review "This is the first comprehensive study in English of the most mysterious and radical of medieval heresies. Malcolm Lambert ... ′combines scholarly investigation with lucid narrative.′" TD Book Survey "Malcolm Lambert, with deep erudition allied to pristine sensitive prose, masterfully narrates [the] distinctive history [of] the cathars ... The Cathars ... is, quite simply, indispensible." Catholic Historical Review
From the Back Cover
This is the first comprehensive account in English of the most feared and the most mysterious of medieval heretics. A crusade was launched to uproot them in the south of France, the Inquisition was developed to suppress them, and St Dominic founded his friars to preach against them. Their history and that of the medieval Church are inextricably mingled. This book puts the Cathars back into the context where they belong – that of medieval Catholicism. It studies the rise and fall of the heresy from the twelfth–century Rhineland to fifteenth–century Bosnia and the Church′s counteraction, peaceful and violent. Within the exposition, Italian Cathars are given their rightful place, a chapter is devoted to the puzzle of the Bosnian Church, and perspective is given to Le Roy Ladurie′s brilliant but wayward Montaillou . A final survey assesses the legacy of a heresy which still exerts its strange fascination. This book combines scholarly investigation with lucid narrative. It is, in short, historical writing at its best and likely to become the definitive account of a subject of enduring interest and importance.
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At the beginning of the eleventh century, leading churchmen in Western Europe had no living experience of heresy. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
At the beginning of the eleventh century, leading churchmen in Western Europe had no living experience of heresy. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Index | Back Cover
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71 of 73 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
I would not hesitate to call this book pivotal in Cathar studies. I read it as part of my research on the Cathars and found it extremely well documented and researched, an accomplished book. Malcolm Lambert also wrote 'Medieval Heresy', in which gives a detailed but wide history of heresy around Europe, essential and fascinating background for anyone interested in the Cathars. It has been described as 'the best general book on the subject in any language'. 'The Cathars', more recent, places particular influence on this sect, while containing the thourough understanding of other heresies neccessary to give it depth and authoritative analysis. Lambert has worked with Walter Wakefield, previously England's leading historian on the Cathars. His book is rather dated now, but was so thouroughly researched, containing translations of medieval manuscripts that we can be sure that Lambert discussed his topic with an authority. Furthermore, Lambert has also read and analysed French historiography, again, rare for a British historian of this period. Therefore, 'The Cathars' draws up on a large amount of research, both old and new, and constantly questions previously conducted research and established ideas. What is so unique about this book is that unlike many on the period in English, it recognises the fact that Catharism was not unique to France, and contains innovative research and findings on their actions in Italy and on the Bosnian Church, for example.
It is important to realise, however, that 'The Cathars' will not provide 'easy reading', it is a highly analytical historical text and therefore not really aimed at the beginner, to whom I would recommended a more general history. I found the book hard to read myself, although very rewarding.
... Read more ›15 of 15 people found the following review helpful
By Ms. V. Hoyle
VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
Malcolm Lambert's reputation as one of the most thorough and erudite of medieval historians is only confirmed by his work in "The Cathars".
As in his seminal work, "Medieval Heresy", he successfully combines scholarly investigation with lucid, careful narrative. His emphasis is clearly on context, both societal and religious - why did Catharism flourish in spite of (or because of) the medieval Church, and how did the mediaeval Church respond?
The Domincan Order, the Albigensian Crusade and the Inquisition are all examined in response to these questions. The geographical and chronological breadth of his investigation is applaudable, effectively embracing the 12th - 15th century, from the north of France to Bosnia.
Several important chapters summarise difficult debates, including the role of Eastern Bogolmilism in the development of the heresy, the Italian schism and Le Roy Laudarie's somewhat controversial work on Montaillou.
Above all else, Lambert is a narrative historian - he excels at summary and explanation, rather than innovation. Yet that is easily excused given that his research is wide and impeccable, covering both a wealth of primary and secondary material in both English and French. As such, "The Cathars" is no doubt destined to become a somewhat definitive account of its kind.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By G. Yates
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Given that the theme of the book is the persecution of a large group of people in the most barbaric ways possible I found some of the author's opinions about the punishments meted out to them very offensive! I think perhaps he should try a little of his own medicine first before making such comments. The only trouble being he wouldn't be around to tell us of the result!
I've been disappointed not to be able to find anything detailed about the Cathars without such strong and offensive 'Orthodox' Bias. Their persecution it seems has not ended yet?
I've been disappointed not to be able to find anything detailed about the Cathars without such strong and offensive 'Orthodox' Bias. Their persecution it seems has not ended yet?
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